Families across Northwest Indiana rely on strong community engagement to help young people learn, grow and stay involved outside of school. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana is one of those important partners that makes a meaningful impact.

To support that impact from Monday, March 9, through Sunday, March 15, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at their local Strack & Van Til store. Those extra funds will be donated to the organization.

According to Director of Community Outreach Wendy Mang, proceeds from the Round Up will help Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana defray operational expenses and support programs where elementary school-age children and teens learn to succeed in a safe, fun, nurturing environment.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides a safe, supportive environment for nearly 8,500 youth annually, serving children and teens ages 5–18 with high-quality before- and after-school programming, summer camps and sports leagues. For working families across the Region, the Club is a trusted partner — ensuring young people have a structured place to go during out-of-school hours where they are supervised, encouraged and inspired to reach their full potential.

Club members benefit from comprehensive programming designed to support academic success, healthy lifestyles and strong character development. Services include homework help and academic enrichment activities that reinforce classroom learning, daily recreation and seasonal sports leagues that promote teamwork and physical activity and mentorship and teen leadership opportunities that build confidence and responsibility. Youth also explore creativity through art programs, engage in hands-on STEM experiences that spark curiosity and career interest and participate in health and wellness initiatives that encourage lifelong healthy habits. Together, these programs empower young people to graduate on time, lead with integrity and thrive in their communities.

“Strack & Van Til continues to demonstrate what true community partnership looks like,” says Mike Jessen, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “Through initiatives like the Checkout Challenge Round Up, their team and customers are making it possible for our Lake and Porter County club kids to access life-changing programs every single day. This support is a powerful example of the generosity that defines our Region. When local businesses and families come together in this way, they ensure that thousands of young people throughout our Region have the opportunities, mentorship and resources they need to succeed.”

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 96-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

Strack & Van Til President Jeff Strack credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the success of the Checkout Challenge Round Ups.

“Our stores, with the help of our employees, provide an outlet for our customers to donate to some of their favorite local organizations,” he explains. “Our customers are the ones who give back to the community, and we are so grateful for them.”

Show your support for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit bgcgreaternwi.org. To learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities it serves,  visit strackandvantil.com/community.