For 17 years, Janie Van Hoose has been putting the love in the Project Love Food Pantry, offering a smiling face and a kind heart to those in need.

Sponsored by the Cedar Lake United Methodist Church, but supported by other area churches, Project Love has its own home, literally.

Van Hoose and her legion of volunteers operate out of a house adjacent to the church at 7124 W. 137th Place, Cedar Lake.

"I've had people tell me how easy I make it for them to come and ask for help, and that's what I hope I do," Van Hoose said, adding that one never knows the circumstances that have brought people to the pantry's door.

"Some have had high medical bills ... things that are not their doing," she said, adding that a number of older people come in towards the end of the month before they receive their Social Security checks.

"Originally, we were set up to supplement other programs," Van Hoose said, but added that she recognizes some senior citizens will, of necessity, be regular clients.

Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. folks come to the tiny house purchased by the church a number of years ago, to select from items lining the shelves and freezers.

Van Hoose also spreads the love in other endeavors.

Pastor Tom Shanahan of the Cedar Lake United Methodist Church said, "She's a wonderful person ... I couldn't function without her."

He said Van Hoose is chairwoman of the worship team and is the secretary of the church's administrative council.

For her part, Van Hoose admits a desire to remain "behind the scenes."

"I'm a follower, not a leader," she said, adding, "I just see a thing that needs to be done, and I do it. Now, I'd be lost if I didn't come to the pantry on Wednesday."

Unfortunately, Project Love's client base has increased at the same time that people have had to cut back on donations.

"We get most of our food from the food bank in Gary. Their supplies are low, and, therefore, our supplies are low," Van Hoose said.

Although she knows the holiday season will bring more donations, Van Hoose noted, "Hunger goes on 12 months a year, not just Christmas time."

Van Hoose said the call for donations has gone out, and the community has always responded well when the need is great.

Those wanting to donate food items, non-food necessities such as personal hygiene items and money can stop at the Project Love Food Pantry during its Wednesday hours or call Donna at (219) 374-7312 to make other arrangements.