NILES — Free pizza and a chance for people to learn how to better serve local communities through the Niles Service League is the goal behind the upcoming Meet and Greet event this week.

The Meet and Greet will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Front Street Pizza Pub, 510 N. Front St. in Niles. It is free and open to the public to attend.

Vice President of the Niles Service League Joy Shreve said it is a chance to recruit more volunteers and give people a better understanding about what the organization does to benefit its Niles, Buchanan and Brandywine communities.

“We are always continuously dedicated to helping the kids and we would like to keep this organization going as long as possible because I feel like it is part of Niles history,” Shreve said.

The NSL was originally founded in 1934 with the intent to support the welfare of local children. The organization provides backpacks and school supplies to children, as well as winter necessities like jackets.

It also tackles a number of other projects aimed at helping the community, including providing Christmas gifts for local families who need the help.  Members also assist with Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army and host a number of well-known fundraisers, such as the “5K Color Fun Run,” to name a few.

The organization has about 20 volunteers, but could use a whole lot more to expand their reach in the community, Shreve said.

For Shreve, a member of three years, getting to be part of the organization is particularly special because she said the NSL helped her when she was a child. Now, she said she has the chance to return the favor and see the difference giving back to the local community can make.

“My biggest reward would be the Christmas families, because delivering presents to those kids and a meal gives me the chance to see the look on their face and the tears of joy,” Shreve said. “The hugs that they give – that is the best feeling in the world.”

Niles Service League members meet once a month for about an hour. They pay a $60 yearly due which helps to fund some of the organizations efforts. The fee can be made in payment installments.

Those who do not have the time but wish to help the organization can still contribute to the league as a sustainer. Sustainers are not active members and volunteer for the league when they have the time.

Those who will miss Wednesday’s meeting but want to join can send an email expressing their interest to Nilesserviceleague.gmail.com. For more information, visit nilesserviceleague.org or facebook.com/niles.service.league.