A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, filled with uncertainty and emotions. In times such as these, the support of family, friends and dedicated community organizations can provide invaluable guidance and strength. The Cancer Resource Center in Munster stands as a beacon of hope, offering essential resources and compassionate support to those navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis.

And you can help those efforts from Monday, June 23, through Sunday, June 29, when the Cancer Resource Center 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 with those extra funds donated to the organization.

Cancer Resource Center is a program of the Powers Health Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of cancer care available in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs.

“Through these donations, we are able to offer resources to cancer patients who seek solace, help and support through the Cancer Resource Center,” says Marie Macke, executive director of Oncology Services for Powers Health. “In addition to cancer research, we offer supportive care services in nurse navigation, social services and psychosocial support. Funds are used to defray the costs of services as we help put patients with cancer and their families on the path to healing.”

According to its website, the mission of Cancer Resource Center is “To promote the well-being of all people whose lives have been touched by cancer, by offering support, education and encouragement.”

Macke notes that since its opening in 2024, the Cancer Resource Center has served more than 66,000 people. “Our support groups, mind-body-spirit classes and educational offerings throughout Northwest Indiana help patients deal with the complexities of cancer treatment as well as rise above the stresses and difficulties of this journey,” she says.

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 95-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.

 “Powers Health and the Cancer Resource Center are grateful for the continued generous support from Strack & Van Til,” says Macke. “Strack & Van Til has helped fulfill our mission to bring patients the latest research advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.”

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

“Giving back to the communities we serve is just naturally a part of Strack & Van Til’s culture. We are incredibly grateful to our customers who contribute to these Round Up campaigns and make a difference in the lives of so many people,” Strack says. “They are the ones who give back to the community. Our stores, with the help of our employees, simply provide our customers with an outlet to donate to some of their favorite local organizations.”

Show your support for Cancer Resource Center by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on Cancer Resource Center programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit phcrf.com. To learn more about Strack & Van Til’s community involvement, visit www.strackandvantil.com/community.