NILES — With classes beginning today, many local teachers will be starting off the school year with closets full of supplies donated by their local community, thanks to the effort of the Niles District Library and local business partners.

For the past month, the library and participating businesses collected basic classroom supplies for the inaugural Teacher School Supply Drive.

Last week, teachers from the Niles and Brandywine Community Schools district had the opportunity to collect the supplies they needed for their classroom. As of 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, more than 44 teachers had visited the drive to collect supplies. More than 865 items were distributed to local teachers through the drive.

The drive was organized by Caryn Adler, the Niles District Library adult services coordinator. Adler said her intent was to help local teachers, who often have to pay out of pocket to purchase classroom supplies.

Fifteen local businesses partnered with the library to collect basic classroom supplies for local teachers.

Participating businesses included:

• Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St.

• Pregnancy Care Center, 527 E. Main St.

• Brew Ha Ha, 920 Broadway St.

• The Brass Eye, 205 N. Second St.

• Custom Computer Company, 603 N. Second St.

• Edward Jones Investments, 213 E. Main St.

• Forever Clean Soap Works, 218 N. Front St.

• Leader Publications, 217 N. Fourth St.

• Paul’s Fine Jewelry, 721 E. Main St.

• Pizza Transit, 215 E. Main St.

• Shelf Life Bookstore, 223 N. Fourth St.

• Veni’s Sweet Shop, 228 E. Main St.

• A Lovely Nest, 217 E. Main St.

• Greater Niles Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road

• Jim’s Smokin’ Cafe, 220 E. Main St.

• YMCA of Southwest Michigan, 905 N. Front St.