MOSES LAKE — Peninsula Elementary students showed their appreciation to the dads, grandpas, uncles, older brothers and stepfathers who participate in the school’s Watch Dogs program at Doughnuts with Dad Thursday morning. School officials also use Doughnuts with Dad as a way to recruit new dads (and grandpas and uncles) to the program.

Peninsula principal Sidney Richins said the school served 24 dozen doughnuts, 10 1/2 gallons of juice, three containers of coffee and a container of cocoa. The whole Peninsula gym was packed with dads (and granddads and uncles) and kids.

The Watch Dogs (Dads of Great Students) program asks fathers, grandfathers, uncles and men who are important in the lives of children to volunteer at school periodically.

That’s because dads and granddads and uncles matter, Peninsula principal Sydney Richins said in an earlier interview. “Their influence is – endless,” she said. Once dads and granddads get involved, they see the impact their presence has on kids, and the extent of their influence, she said.

Watch Dog participants help out in the classrooms and on the playground – all around school, helping kids with reading and math and science, holding doors, herding kids from place to place, pushing swings.

Men who want to know more about the Watch Dog program can contact Peninsula Elementary.