Niles Neighbors

03/06/2026

Students at Eastside Connections School are proving that small acts of kindness can add up to a big impact.

Through a student-led campaign, Eastside’s Student Council collected nearly 1,000 healthcare and hygiene items for Niles Neighbors, a local group that sets up free supply stands throughout the city for residents in need.

The project was the idea of eighth grader and Student Council member Thomas Gargis, who said he wanted to find a meaningful way for the school to give back.

“I chose Niles Neighbors because I know they help our community a lot in great ways,” Thomas said. “And I personally wanted our school to help contribute to our city.”

Collection boxes were placed in classrooms across the school. Students were encouraged to donate essential items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo and other hygiene products. The class that collected the most items earned a pizza party, adding a fun incentive to the effort.

“It started off small.” Says Student Council Advisor and Eastside Teacher, Amber Wallace. “But then things started to slowly trickle in, and even items were being delivered to the school through Amazon. They had fun collecting and promoting it.”

By the end of the drive, the school had gathered almost 1,000 items.

“In the end it was really just to help people in need and give an extra boost to people,” Thomas said.

Wallace says that service projects help students build a stronger sense of community.

“It’s good because it teaches the students a sense of community and these goods are staying within our community,” she said. “So it helps them feel like they’re doing something good, something bigger.”

Niles Neighbors distributes donated supplies through stands placed around the city, where anyone can take what they need free of charge. The organization currently has supply stands at On Base Productions, Kari Cares, In the Cut Barbershop, Curly Q’s BBQ, Niles Middle School and High School, and the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. The organization expressed appreciation for the students’ efforts.

“We are so grateful for the hard work and thoughtfulness of the Eastside students and families!” Niles Neighbors shared in a statement. “The goal of Niles Neighbors is to bring Unity to the Community, and through collaborations like this, and the kindness of our youth we can make that a reality.”

With the success of this year’s drive, Eastside’s Student Council hopes to continue finding ways to serve — ensuring that lessons in leadership and kindness extend well beyond the classroom walls.

Thomas said he is proud of what the school accomplished.

“I’d just like to thank my fellow students at East Side for their help in this,” he said. “I’m really proud of what we did.”

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

📢 Heads up, Neighbors!

City street crews are expected to begin citywide brush pickup starting March 9, beginning in Ward 1.

If you plan to put brush out, please stack it neatly behind the curb to help crews move through neighborhoods more efficiently.

After brush pickup is finished, the city is tentatively scheduled to begin citywide leaf collection on March 23, again starting in Ward 1.

03/04/2026

Thank you to Blooming Bus Farms, Hank Nelson, and the community members who showed support last night!

So grateful to the wonderful company of friends, new and old, last night while listening to the talents of Mr. Hank Nelson - The Singin' Gritter! Pretty cool that his band, Redbud Ramblers closed the stage last fall and he opened it up this season 🎶
I also want to give a special thanks to our friends at Niles Neighbors for generously giving dignity to those in need ❤️

02/25/2026

Who remembers having Mr Smith as a teacher at Niles High School?

Today we would like to highlight another Niles educator, Leonard Smith.

Leonard (Lenny) Smith was born in South Bend, IN in 1934. He graduated from South Bend Central High School and then attended Talladega College, Alabama's first private historically black liberal arts college. At Talladega he played basketball, a sport he would continue coaching throughout his career.
After graduating from college, he moved back to South Bend. He spent time in Hampton, Virginia teaching at Thomas Nelson Junior College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College). He later returned to South Bend.

He came to Niles in 1962 and was hired as a physical education and health teacher. In 1969, the school board appointed Smith as the Student Affairs Coordinator, a position created to bridge racial gaps between students and faculty. As Coordinator he not only emphasized academic success but encouraged all students to become involved in extra-curricular activities.

Smith married Kathleen Watson, a chemist employed by Clark Equipment. Lenny and Kathleen were married for 65 years and raised three children. He and his family lived in a home in Ballard Hills which was built by high school students in the building trades program.

Smith went on to become the first Black Assistant Principal at Niles High School. He retired in 1994 after a 32-year career in the Niles schools. He always advised students that working hard in school would lead to success in college or trade school and also teach them to face life’s challenges. After retirement, he continued coaching and giving speeches on racial unity.

02/19/2026

Our friends at the Niles History Center have some wonderful information on a few of the amazing Black men and women that have called Niles home.

Be sure to stop in and check out their Profiles and Portraits display, along with their Black History Month scavenger hunt.

The museum is free, but if you’re able we strongly suggest leaving a donation while you’re there!

02/18/2026

Today, we would like to highlight a longtime Niles educator, Wyvonne Johnson.

Wyvonne Johnson received a degree in Education from the University of Texas and a Masters degree from Michigan State University. She taught at Oak Manor school and later served as Assistant Principal. Niles Community Schools named her a Teacher of the Year for 1982-3. Johnson co-authored a children’s summer activity book. Delta Kappa Gamma International recognized her as a Community Woman of Distinction for her significant contributions to education including scholarship coordination and volunteering with groups like Fresh Start. She served as president of the United Way of Greater Niles board and also volunteered with the Red Cross. Johnson died in December 2025.

02/17/2026

Thanks to the Niles History Center for sharing this local history!

02/17/2026

Rest In Power Rev. Jackson
You inspired countless souls young and old throughout your life. As the voice of the voiceless you advocated and fought for those who needed it most. Thanks to you, we will always remember “I am somebody”. ❤️

In this 1963 footage, the Rev. Jesse Jackson leads a crowd through his "I am somebody!" chant.

02/09/2026

A huge thank you to the generous individuals who have already donated supplies to support the Niles Neighbors program. Your kindness truly makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support.

If you or your organization would like to donate, supplies can be dropped off at On Base Productions(227 E Main St) or next to our display in the Niles-Buchanan YMCA lobby. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and helps our neighbors in meaningful ways. 💙