DeKalb | The NIU Police department expanded its services to offer students food, mats and clothing 24/7.

Food

The department bought food like canned goods, water, peanut butter, cereal, shampoo samples, cheese and crackers and soup to give to anyone in need of these items.

NIU Police Dispatcher Lisa Nelson said the department decided to buy the goods so students can get free food when the Huskie Food Pantry is not open. The pantry is open 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in the Chick Evans Field House, beginning next Thursday, whereas the Dispatch Center is open 24/7.

To get food, students must fill out a form in the Dispatch Center.

Mats

NIU Police Dispatchers Lisa Nelson and Cindy Carlson finished crocheting their first mat made of about 1,000 plastic bags for the homeless last week. The duo took eight days to crochet the mat, which is available in the NIU Police department Dispatch Center for anyone who needs it, Nelson said.

Clothing

The “scarfcrow,” a free mix of store-bought and handmade winter accessories, is open to the NIU community in the Dispatch Center.

Go to bit.ly/2c2AO7t for information on other support services the NIU Police offer.