With food shelves emptying faster than they are filling up at food pantries across the Niles area, Niles Community Schools is doing its part to help out.

All schools in the district are collecting non-perishable food items throughout the rest of the month during a special Stuff-A-Bus event.

Darla Schneider, volunteer coordinator, said the items would be donated in equal parts to the Niles Salvation Army, Mt. Calvary, First Presbyterian and St. Mary’s food pantries.

“There is definitely a need out there. Food pantries are almost bare again,” she said. “There is concern with the cold weather and increased heating bills that people might not have the money for food.

“This is one way we can give back and help our community because some of the students might be the ones benefitting from the pantries.”

Schneider is encouraging the community to help out by sending their child to school with a non-perishable food item. Parents can also drop off items at each building during school hours as collection boxes are set up at each school in the district.

People will also have the opportunity to donate during the boys and girls basketball games between Niles High School and Portage Central in Niles on Friday, Feb. 21.

Schneider said anyone who brings non-perishable food item to donate to the game would receive $2 off admission to the game.

“If they come they could do two games for $3 a person. We’d love to fill the house for the games while supporting a good cause,” she said.

The Stuff-A-Bus event began Feb. 1.

Schneider said donations have been slow so far.

“A lot of our buildings just came off doing a food drive in December, but people have to remember the need is still there,” she said.