Every Tuesday and Thursday, an older gentleman from Niles visits the Salvation Army towing treats: homemade fruit pies, Ramen noodles, a tray of veggies, whatever he has on hand to give.

Jan Nowak, social services director of the Niles Salvation Army, says the man contributes so consistently that the pantry can count on him like clockwork.

Over time, Nowak has come to learn that this man’s generosity is reflective of the whole Niles community.

“Niles has a gigantic, huge heart,” she said.

That huge heart has been beating into overdrive the last couple of weeks, since Nowak put out a call to the community for help filling the pantry’s shelves.

Despite a number of donations from area organizations, the food pantry is running dangerously thin.

“I’m literally probably two weeks away from a great big ‘oh my gosh!’” Nowak said Tuesday. “Lots of places have some traction on the ground for us, but it’s still a little slow coming in the door.”

The traction Nowak is referring to is being made by local organizations and businesses across the community.

For example, once Nowak spread the word that the pantry was in need, the City of Niles put out a barrel to collect food donations. An apartment complex put out a similar barrel, inviting residents to drop in whatever they can in to help feed people in need.

The Niles District Library is hosting a food drive with a creative spin, one which rewards patrons for donating at least five non-perishable food items. People can choose which department they donate to, and depending on which area they give their food to, they can pay off library fines, get a free postcard or add more minutes to their computer time.

“In my book, they win the prize for the most creative programming,” Nowak said. “They have come in twice with a good amount of food.”

The Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union also took a creative approach to collecting food. Ending the summer with a splash, people can enter to win a $25 Visa gift card for every item they put in the kiddy pool.

“We want to help take care of the members of the community,” said branch manager Joan Keeler. “I always kind of think that I can give food now, and maybe one time in the future I may need to get food. We just want to help people who are hungry.”

A number of area churches have spread the word to their parishioners, who are also working to collect donations.

The Niles Community Garden has also been making regular vegetable donations as members harvest the plants they have grown this summer.

“That too is a huge help and a supplement, but in terms of packing a bag and shoveling stuff out the door in the way of support and groceries, we’re still waiting for that big infusion that will come through the door,” Nowak said.

Nowak said that the empty food pantry shelves are a common occurrence as summer tapers off, as summer vacations, holiday barbecues and beach trips tend to distract people from the spirit of giving that comes in other months. Families also tend to need more food in the summer months because their children are home from school.

“Redbud Area Ministries is struggling. St. Mary’s is struggling. Helping Hands in Cassopolis has been struggling. It’s not just us,” Nowak said. “I would implore people, wherever they are to give back and help.”

Nowak said she is confident that the community will rally to help their neighbors in need.

“We need to keep the momentum going. We need to keep people on fire for this,” she said. “I’m not worried because I know the Lord is going to provide. I know He is going to lean on people’s hearts and motivate them to do this.”