When Zach Ryman saw the near empty shelves at the Niles Salvation Army’s food pantry, he was shocked.

When he learned other area food pantries were faced with the same shortage, he knew he had to do something to help.

“There were only 10 to 20 cans on the shelf and that’s not enough to feed all the families out there,” said Ryman, who will be in the seventh grade at Ring Lardner Middle School.

Ryman will be turning 12 on July 27.

Instead of asking for presents, he is asking for donations that will go to four local food pantries: Niles Salvation Army, Mt. Calvary Church and Christian Services Center in Niles and Redbud Area Ministries in Buchanan.

“I hope to get a lot food so I can help feed at least a few families,” Ryman said.

To help achieve this goal, an area service organization called Just One More is partnering with Ryman to hold two food drives this weekend and next.

The first will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Harding’s Market in Niles.

The second will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at Save a Lot in Niles.

Ryman, his friends and family will be on hand at both events collecting non-perishable food items.

Zach’s mother, Lucille, was not surprised when he said he wanted to forgo a party and presents for his birthday in exchange for helping others.

“He always finds the good in things,” she said.

According to Just One More, persons most at risk for being food deficient include senior citizens, people with disabilities and children — especially in the summer months when there is no breakfast and lunch at school.

With the rising cost of food and benefits for food being cut, many families are unable to make enough money to adequately feed their children. These families rely on food pantries to help get them through the lean times.

Visit Ryman’s event page for the food drives at facebook.com/events/433694976772547