A local company with a long history of helping others when disaster strikes is collecting items for the victims of Monday’s deadly tornado outbreak in Oklahoma.

Express-1, a Buchanan-based expediting company, is holding several local food drives this week, including a food drop-off point in Niles.

Erika Pickles, Express-1 employee, said the goal is to stuff one, possibly two, semi-trailers with donated items and ship them directly on Express-1 trucks to Oklahoma. Express-1 is partnering with the Niles Salvation Army for this event.

Those wishing to help fill the truck can drop off items at the Niles Township Fire Department, 2049 S. 3rd St., Niles, during normal business hours. Deadline is Friday afternoon.

“We are all horrified by the events unfolding and know we cannot sit by without doing something to reach out and help those who are in need,” Pickles said.

Other food drives will be held at three Martin’s Super Market locations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday:

• Martin’s Supermarket, 926 Erskine Plaza, South Bend, Ind.

• Martin’s Supermarket, 555 E. Jackson Boulevard, Elkhart, Ind.

• Martin’s Supermarket, 12850 S.R. 23, Granger, Ind.

Items can also be dropped off at Express-1, 429 Post Road, Buchanan, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and until 3 p.m. Friday.

In the past, Express-1 has assisted with relief for the victims of Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy and the Joplin tornadoes.