Some needy dogs will benefit from the kindness of a handful of Wilkeson Elementary students.

During a school assembly March 31, Left Behind K9 Rescue was presented with a carload of donations, all aimed at making life a bit better for dogs waiting to be adopted into permanent homes.

The drive to help the nonprofit organization was spearheaded by sixth-grader Amelia Evans, who started the school’s Kids For Canines group. She was joined by fifth-graders Sicely Schoenbachler and Rowen Rayne, along with fourth-graders Mikayla Harter, Gracelyn Holcomb and Callie Olson.

The group coordinated a schoolwide drive that brought in donations of pet food, dog toys and training pads for puppies. Reaching out to their feline friends, some also donated kitty litter. The group also spent time – strictly outside of school – soliciting cash donations.

On hand Friday to accept the donations was Jeff Boyd, founder of the LBK9 organization.