What makes TradeWinds Services special? It’s simple. The organization serves people with special needs by empowering them to realize their full potential.

According to its website: “For over 55 years, TradeWinds has continued to meet the increasing need for these services, making a direct impact on the lives of local children and adults with special needs, their families and the Northwest Indiana community.”

To support this mission from Monday, May 19, through Sunday, June 1, TradeWinds Services will be the beneficiaries 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, with those extra funds going to TradeWinds.

According to TradeWinds Services CEO Jon Gold, the proceeds from the Checkout Challenge Round Up will support their overall mission. “Unlike some donations that go to a specific program, there are no restrictions on these funds, so we use them where they are needed. This is beneficial as it allows us to address our most pressing needs.”

The Merrillville-based organization provides services for individuals of all ages. TradeWinds offers inclusive children’s programs, such as Child Care, Children’s Summer & Functional Skills Camps and Speech & Occupational Therapy in local classrooms. For adults with developmental and physical disabilities, TradeWinds provides the Adult Day Activity Program & Training (ADAPT), Pre-Vocational Services in Packaging & Assembly and Order Fulfillment, Sewing Manufacturing, Sign Shop and Employment Services.

TradeWinds services also include Residential Group and Supported Living Homes, Respite for Caregivers, Deaf Services, TradeWinds Community Pantry and a Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic for residents of Northwest Indiana. The Participant Assistance and Care (PAC) program provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the assistance they need to live successfully in their own homes. It also enables them to function and participate in their communities, with the necessary support and monitoring to ensure their health and safety.

Strack & Van Til has supported TradeWinds for 27 years, and Gold says, “Strack & Van Til is one of our strongest partners. They support all of our events and in addition allow TradeWinds to benefit from the Check Out Challenge every year.”

Continuing its more than 95-year tradition of philanthropy, Strack & Van Til raises funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

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 our customers with an outlet to give 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 TradeWinds by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

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