Mount Calvary Baptist Church members help unload a bus loaded with food collected from Niles schools Thursday morning. The “Stuff-a-Bus” drive benefited the Helping Hands Ministry food pantry.

Niles Community Schools teamed up with the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan to collect dozens of boxes of food for the Helping Hands Ministry Friday.
Students in all district schools began donating nonperishable food items Feb. 1 for the ministry, located in the former Mount Calvary Baptist Church parsonage on Ferry Street.
“One of our main functions is to head out to the middle schools and high schools and give opportunities for service,” said Callie Campbell, youth volunteer coordinator.
About six students boarded a school bus Friday morning and traveled to the schools to load boxes. They filled the bus then headed to Helping Hands, where church members helped students lift the heavy boxes off the bus and down the stairs.
Organizers said they aren’t sure exactly how much food was collected for the drive.
“We did exactly what we set out to do — stuff a bus,” Supt. Richard Weigel said.
About 60 people utilize Helping Hands per month. Pastor Bryant Bacon said the ministry, which also offers clothing to people in need, is open to everyone.