CHINA GROVE — First graders at Bostian Elementary gave a little bit of warmth to those in need Friday. Students in Kellie Haff’s class were asked at the beginning of January to bring in hats, scarves, socks and gloves for those seeking shelter at Main Street Mission in China Grove.

Haff said she’s “just trying to make a difference.”

“I try to teach them that you want to treat others with respect and try to make a positive difference in the world,” she said.

Haff said she chose Main Street Mission because she’s seen the positive impact it’s had on needy people in the local community, and she wanted her kids to be able to contribute to that. Haff and her gaggle of students also collect canned and non-perishable food items for the mission each November.

The class was encouraged to bring in warm items at the beginning of the month, and Haff set out a crate to collect the donations. She said she also sent out an e-mail to other teachers in the school, to see if they’d like to participate.

Throughout the month, Haff taught her students about the importance of treating others as you’d like to be treated.

Haff said she started the donation projects — and others, like writing to Hospice patients — in November 2014 when she had an epiphany:

“If you want to make a difference in the world you’ve got to go ahead and do it,” she said.

She doesn’t offer any reward or incentive for her students to donate.

“I hope that they internalize this and help others.”

Friday, Haff said teachers from across the school delivered donations to her classroom. She didn’t count, but said she had “two full grocery bags” to deliver to Main Street Mission.