In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, thousands of residents in southern Texas have been displaced from their homes and are in need of basic necessities. To help, one Niles shop is joining forces with several Michiana businesses to provide much needed aid.

Healthy Habits owners Kendra and Nic Johnson are collecting donations at the smoothie shop located at 305 E. Main St. Donations can be dropped off through 7 p.m. Friday.

Needed donation items include:

• Non-perishable food

• Pet food

• Baby items

• Personal hygiene items

• Water

• Children’s toys

• Monetary donations

The Johnsons were contacted by Kyle Ingle, the owner of Healthy Happies in South Bend. Ingle said he was raising donations at his business and he needed a hand.

“We are just doing our part,” Nic said.

Ten total nutrition clubs across Michiana have offered to also collect donations.

Nic and Ingle will be driving the donations collected to Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, Texas — about 23 miles from Houston. The church will distribute the items to those in need.

Originally, Nic had offered his pick-up truck for the job. He said he hoped to obtain an 8-foot trailer to carry the rest of the items. But the outpouring of support from the Michiana community surpassed expectations, Nic said.

“In 24 hours, we did not realize how many donations we had accumulated,” Nic said. “We said, ‘OK, we need a bigger truck.’”

Through Penske Truck Rental, Nic and Ingle were able to have a discounted 16-foot truck for hauling the goods across the more than 1,100-mile trek. Kyle covered the rest of the truck cost, so that Nic and Kendra can maximize the financial donations contributed to the cause. Donations will be transported Friday when Nic and Kyle leave on the 18-hour drive.

“We are just doing our part,” Nic said. “It is what Americans do. They help each other out.”

Donations have poured into Healthy Habits from the American Legion #26 post in Niles. Regular customers who visit the smoothie shop have also donated money, nonperishable goods, toothbrushes, shampoo and children’s toys, to name just a few. Avanti Flooring from South Bend also donated about $300 worth of diapers and other baby items.

Kendra and Nic will also donate all tips left in the tip jar through Friday.

As young parents themselves, Kendra said the couple is also hoping to get a lot of baby necessity items to supply to those in need.

“I can’t imagine waking up and not having the stuff I need to care for [my kids],” Kendra said.

Those who wish to donate, but do not have time to visit the shop, can contribute via Pay Pal at paypal.me/healthyhabitsNiles.