Mars Area Elementary School collected $4,008 in donations and gift cards to benefit Dixon Elementary School (Holly Ridge, N.C.), which is recovering from damages sustained in Hurricane Florence.

Students and their families donated $3,083 for the cause. And, teachers and staff members at Mars Area Elementary School and Mars Area Primary Center donated a combined $400 in gift cards, along with $525, which was used to purchase additional Target gift cards.

Students also designed posters that will be sent to Dixon Elementary School with the gift card donations. For more information, call (724) 625-3161.