A reasonable standard of living should be available to everyone, yet many people live in substandard, overcrowded housing and often pay too much for it. Habitat for Humanity addresses that by building new homes for neighbors who need safe, quality housing.

You can help from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14, when Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up will benefit Habitat for Humanity Northwest Indiana (Lake County stores) and Habitat for Humanity of Porter County (Porter County stores). Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at their local Strack & Van Til store with those extra funds donated directly to the organization.

Chuck Carter, Habitat for Humanity Northwest Indiana (Lake County) volunteer and donor engagement manager, says proceeds from the Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge will help defray building materials and labor costs.

“A beautiful thing about Habitat for Humanity is that it brings the community together,” Carter says. “The Checkout Challenge Round Up does the same. We are grateful that Strack & Van Til is partnering with us to make an impact.”

Carter explains that the organization offers families a mortgage with zero interest and a low monthly payment that includes property taxes and insurance. Beneficiaries must complete 300 hours of “sweat equity” — at least 150 from the homeowners and the rest from friends, family or the community.

According to Charis Cotton, with Habitat for Humanity of Porter County, the sweat equity hour requirements can vary from affiliate to affiliate, and Porter County Habitat Future Homeowners complete financial expert Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course as part of their agreement.

Cotton agreed with Carter regarding the Round Up program, saying: “We are so thankful for the way that Strack & Van Til continues to invest in their hardworking neighbors in need of safe housing.”

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.

“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 Habitat for Humanity by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. To learn more, visit nwihabitat.org and portercountyhabitat.org. For information on Strack & Van Til’s commitment to Northwest Indiana communities, check out strackandvantil.com/community.