SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Students in Julie Klein’s beginning Family and Consumer Science class at Mitchell High School put their sewing skills to work for a good cause as well as a grade by making “walker caddies” for hospitalized patients.

Walker caddies provide independence to people who use walkers. The cloth bags fasten with Velcro straps to a walker handle and can be used to safely transport cell phones, self-care items, food, or other personal items.

The suggestion for making the bags as a service project came from Beth Esselstein, OTR/L, the mother of one of the students and an occupational therapist at Regional West Medical Center’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit. Esselstein knew many of her patients would find the simple bags very handy as they adapt to using a walker.

Mrs. Klein made a pattern and provided scrap materials for the project. Students were graded on cutting, attaching the Velcro, and using a variety of stitches to make the walker bags. The students made and donated 24 bags to Regional West Medical Center. One student presented the walker caddy he made to his grandfather, who recently began using a walker.

“People who are recovering from trauma or surgery sometimes need a walker and they must use both hands on the walker in order to maintain their balance. Walker caddies help transport items they can’t carry, which is essential to their independence.” said Esselstein. “We’d like to thank Mrs. Klein and the Mitchell High School Family and Consumer Science class for paying it forward and helping more people get back home!”

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.