MORRISTOWN — Upon learning that a local elementary school needed financial assistance in order to train a dog that will help children, a group of veterans answered the call.

Bethesda American Legion Post 90 recently raised and donated $500 to Union Local Elementary School to aid in the training of the school’s soon-to-be special needs therapy dog. Members of the legion met with school officials to deliver the check on Thursday evening at the school.

Dana Kendziorski, principal of Union Local Elementary School, said the school’s newest addition, a therapy dog named Axel, will help young special needs students cope with behavioral issues.

“Kids love animals. If they’re (students) having a bad day, the dog will help them feel secure. It’s so important with behavior,” Kendziorski said.

Kendziorski’s daughter, intervention specialist Jessica Anderson, is also the owner and handler of Axel, who she received when he was just a puppy. Anderson works in the resource room of the elementary school with five special needs students.

“We got to talking and thought it would be great to have a therapy dog (for the school),” Kendziorski said.

Axel attended a training facility for one month over the summer in Yorkville. Upon completion of the program, Axel was taken to Alliance, Ohio, where he passed his test and was certified as a therapy dog. He is a very loving and a sweet dog, Kendziorski said.

Gordon Price, secretary of American Legion Post 90, said the legion heard about Axel and how he would help the special needs students with therapy. They thought it was a wonderful idea and wanted to get behind it and help in any way, he said.

“We try to do things to help the kids and the school,” Price said.

This is not the first time the legion has aided local schools, and it won’t be the last.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Price said. “Helping the community.”

The money donated by the legion will aid in covering the costs incurred from Axel’s training and certification as a therapy dog.

Kendziorski said she plans to introduce Axel to students next week. Parents of the students who will interact with the therapy dog on a daily basis have all been notified and are on board with the idea, Kendziorski said.

“The staff is so excited, everyone is excited. Dogs just make people feel good,” she said.

She hopes students will bond with with Axel, allowing them to feel secure.

Price said Bethesda American Legion members have made it their mission to help the community. He added that they are always looking for new members and encourage others to join the post in doing good for the community. Those interested in joining the American Legion are asked to call Post Commander Kyle Martin at 740-420-2438 or Gordon Price at 740-359-4425.