Mathews Elementary School in Vienna Township will be celebrating "Random Acts of Kindness Week" with a special program focused on showing kindness and compassion to animals.

The "Kindness to Animals" Program was created in partnership with the National Humane Education Society (NHES). Students will be participating in the program Friday, February 21.

The program will kick off at 12:45 p.m. Friday for students in grades K-2 and again at 1:45 p.m. for students in grades 3-5.

Leading up to the event, students have been collecting and donating dog and cat treats to support animal welfare efforts.

Those efforts will culminate on Friday with a screening of the 1995 movie "Balto" followed by hands-on activities with NHES educator and ambassador dog Vader.