Since overcoming his own bout with the illness eight years ago, Niles’ Gary Peffley has devoted his life to fight the against cancer, pitching in with Relay For Life events in Berrien and Cass counties.

This year, though, the cancer survivor is looking for the community’s support with another American Cancer Society program near and dear to his heart: Grand Rapids’ Hope Lodge.

Now through Feb. 10, Peffley is collecting toiletries and food items for use at the facility, which provides a free place for cancer patients to stay while undergoing treatment.

The items he is collecting are:

• Bottled water

• Laundry detergent

• Fabric softener sheets

• Dish soap

• Dishwasher soap

• Window cleaner

• Toilet bowl cleaner

• Toilet paper

• Tissue paper

• Single packed meals

• Soups

• Canned chicken/tuna

• Pasta sides

• Mashed/scalloped/au gratin potatoes

• Apple sauce/fruit cups

People are encouraged to leave a donation by stopping by Peffley’s residence in Pokagon Township, located kitty corner from the township fire department on Poakgon Highway. People can also call him at (231) 721-5032 to arrange for him to pickup any items.

“It is a small trailer, so hopefully we can fill it,” he said. “I would love to be able to fill it twice over.”

Peffley, who organized last year’s Cass County Relay for Life, has been a long supporter of the ACS’ Hope Lodge program, which currently has 33 facilities located across the country. Peffley knew several people from the area who took advantage of the free lodging over the years, and he has always been impressed with the level of service the staff provides its guests, he said.

Peffley donates between $30 to $80 worth of cash or items every month to the program, he said.

“I never go to the store and not come out without something to donate to Hope Lodge,” he said.

In December, Peffley came up with an idea to get others involved with the program as well. Borrowing a trailer he uses for the fishing camp he operates with his brother during the summer, he decided to ask people to pitch in to fill it up, so that he can deliver a batch of supplies to the Grand Rapids facility next month.

Peffley is hoping to turn the fundraiser into an annual cause, and is interested in organizing additional functions to raise money money Hope Lodge, including a possible dinner around Mother’s Day, he said.

“I want Hope Lodge to help whoever they can help, and they cannot do so without these supplies people use,” he said.