By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

The Niles Service League has been a staple in the community since 1934, but membership in the organization has been declining in recent years and has hit a low going into its 76th year.
The new year for the women’s organization starts at the end of the month, and currently only 16 members are aboard. Typically the group has more than 20 members.
The group is hoping that creating new events, holding public meetings for potential members to visit, lowering membership dues and adding a Facebook page will attract new members.
Niles Service League President Nichole Hover said last year the group had to cut some fundraisers and service projects due to lack of volunteers.
“This year could be tough. With four board positions, that leaves only a few people to organize and create a committee for each event,” Hover said.
Among the many service projects the organization does each year are assisting with meals on wheels, adopting a local family at Christmas, food drives, bell ringing for the Salvation Army and bloodmobile calls for the Red Cross.
The group also provides a free baby sitting clinic for fifth- and sixth-graders at Lakeland Hospital and provides scholarships and camperships for local students. The Service League works with area schools to identify children in need and provides clothes and school supplies for them as well.
All the projects and donations the service league makes are funded by community donations. This year the group is introducing monthly restaurant nights, where a community establishment will donate a certain percentage of each person’s bill to the organization. The first restaurant night will take place at Wings Etc. in Niles on Aug. 18.
Hover, who is entering into her third year with the organization, believes the Niles Service League is a vital part of the community.
“The thing that sold me is that all the services go toward the kids and stay local,” she said. “It’s extremely important. There is always need.”
For information on how to join or donate to the Niles Service League, contact Hover at (269) 362-1320 or visit the group’s Facebook page.