WELLS — On Feb. 29, Wells Elementary School held an assembly focused on one of the school’s core values, “Compassion”. This year the assembly was the culmination and celebration of a multi-donation endeavor focused on making a meaningful difference for others.

Invited to the event were representatives of numerous local organizations including Atria Senior Living, Safe Haven Humane Society, York County Shelter, Wells-Ogunquit Community Outreach, the Animal Welfare Society, Maine Children’s Cancer Program, and St. Mary’s Ecumenical Food Pantry. Representatives from these entities explained what they do and the importance of what the children collected for them.

According to WES Assistant Principal Ken Spinney, students contributed a variety of items. Kindergarten students collected cat food, cat toys, blankets, paper towels and dishwashing detergent for Safe Haven Humane Society, first grade students collected socks and toiletry items for the York County Shelter, second grade students made valentines for and gave chocolates to residents of Atria Senior Living, third grade and multiage 1-2 students collected nonperishable food items for St. Mary’s Ecumenical Food Pantry, multi-age 3-4 and fourth grade students collected needed items for the Animal Welfare Society, and other fourth graders made cards for children at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Other fourth grade classes collected dimes for Wells Community Outreach.

At this assembly, 23 students received the school’s Core Value award for the month of February 2016.