When students order those late_night pizzas during the holiday season, they will have the opportunity to save money and help the needy at the same time.

Pizzas by Marchelloni in DeKalb is sponsoring a Christmas “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” program through Dec. 24. They are asking people to donate at least one non-perishable food item to Marchelloni’s whenever they pick up their pizza or pay their delivery person. In return, they will receive $2 off their next pizza.

Non_perishable food includes canned goods, cereal, pasta products, powdered milk, pre_packaged meals and dry goods.

This is the first time the Salvation Army has had a food drive with Marchelloni’s, said Peggy Carey, social worker for the Salvation Army. “They came to us with the idea,” she said.

Mark Strong, Marchelloni’s owner, said he does not look at the project as losing money as long as he is helping needy people. He said he feels spreading some holiday spirit will be the biggest benefit.

Strong said he hopes the whole community will get involved.

Carey said Marchelloni’s sells about 1,000 pizzas a week. Because the project will run four weeks, 4,000 cans could be collected if everyone who bought a pizza made a donation.

“Everyone does not have to bring in just one canned good,” she said. “It would be nice if people donated more.”

Carey said the Salvation Army will provide 300 to 350 families with food, clothes and toys this Christmas.