SALISBURY — For one of the participants at Trinity Living Center’s adult day services program, it’s hard to remember much about a typical day due to the advancement of her Alzheimer’s disease. But when Salisbury Academy’s first-graders come for their monthly book buddies visit, she can recount her day to her husband with enthusiasm.

“Ask her about anything else she’s done, and she won’t remember,” said Teresa Dakins, community outreach coordinator for Trinity at Home.

“The day the kids come she always remembers. It makes her husband’s heart so happy.”

The happiness experienced through the program – a partnership between Salisbury Academy and Trinity Living Center that goes back well over 10 years – goes both ways. First-graders delight in spreading cheer and flexing their reading muscles for their friends, and Trinity Living Center participants enjoy every moment of the exchanges.

“Participants are always excited to hear that the kids are coming, and they are always smiling even after the children leave,” said Dakins.

Service is a key component in the educational experience at Salisbury Academy. The holidays bring with them an extra abundance of opportunities to serve, whether through Operation Christmas Child, the Arc of Rowan Festival of Trees, an annual Christmas party with Rowan Vocational Opportunities, and a number of other holiday outreach efforts.

Throughout the school year, Salisbury Academy students have regular outreach with more than 20 local community non-profits.

“Developing community stewards is an ongoing mission at Salisbury Academy,” said Beverly Fowler, head of school.

“Through service our students grow as whole people —as leaders, as individuals, and as members of something much larger than themselves.”

As the Salisbury Academy children closed up their books and gave warm goodbyes to their friends at Trinity Living Center, participant Ruth looked on, smiling widely.

“I’ve always loved getting to know different students throughout the years being here,” said Ruth. “The children have brought me so many smiles.”