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Westgate Village Nursing facility residents are in for a treat this year.

As part of an “angel tree,” project, the residents were asked to make a holiday wish list many months ago. The lists were then distributed to different groups within the community. A large portion of those lists were taken to Regions Bank and 22nd State Bank and placed on Christmas trees in the lobbies.

A secret Santa of sorts, individuals took the lists and purchased gifts for the residents.

“I thank everyone that has a hand in this. Westgate Village staff works for 2 and half months to make sure every resident receives a gift,” said Activity Director Lisa Anthony. Serving at the facility for 6 years, Anthony always looks forward to the event.

“It is fun to watch them see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. It is fun seeing them interact that way with the different volunteers coming in. They are so appreciative,” said Anthony.

The facility has the capacity to hold 129 residents, therefore an estimate of 129 gifts are purchased each year, depending on the number of residents which is subject to change.

“We want to make sure every single resident receives a gift,” said Anthony.

Before names were distributed to the banks, 51 names were drawn by the nursing facility staff.

On Mon., the gifts were collected from the banks and will be distributed to the residents next week.