NORWOOD -- Police officers, firefighters, and local athletes welcomed students as they got off the bus this morning at Norwood-Norfolk Central School as part of their "Great Kindness Challenge" week.

Members from the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Norfolk Police Department, SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team, SUNY Canton men’s hockey team and Norwood-Norfolk Varsity Club formed a “Kindness Tunnel” and greeted children with signs promoting kindness and also offered words of encouragement.

As part of the challenge, which runs Jan. 23-27, elementary school students will be asked to commit as many acts of kindness during the week as they can.

“Students can do things such as high five another student, smile at 25 classmates, help an animal or a grandparent,” said Carrie French, a Great Kindness Challenge committee member.

Children are encouraged to donate change in the “Kind Coins” bucket at the main office and all donations will go toward building a school in Pakistan.

Families can send donations with their child or bring them directly to the school.

Last year NNCS students raised nearly $800, which was then donated toward building a school in Mikel, Kenya.

Teachers have been urged to take photos of their class “being kind” which may be sent in to Good Morning America, which is covering the Great Kindness Challenge all week.

To view a slideshow, click here.