End‑of‑life decisions are never easy, even though caring for a loved one is privilege and duty. When compassion and peace matter most, many families choose hospice care.

You can support this from Monday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 11, Hospice of the Calumet Area 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.

According to Marketing and Community Relations Director Damian Rico, HCA has served more than 23,000 patients in five counties since 1981. A quarter of those patients are veterans. Its in-patient facility, the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, has cared for more than 6,000 patients since opening in 1997. HCA serves all of Lake and Porter County, parts of LaPorte County and surrounding Illinois communities regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. In 2025, HCA provided $3.4 million in discounted, charity or uncompensated care.

Rico adds that HCA has consistently received HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice Honors Elite (surveys completed by caregivers) recognition and Medicare/Medicaid 5-star status for excellence in hospice care.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the community and the generous partners who believe in our Cherishing Life mission. Business leaders like Strack and Van Til and Town and Country’s support, encouragement and commitment allow us to continue making a meaningful difference with patients and families,” says Rico. “We truly couldn’t provide our 5-star quality care without them, and we’re deeply thankful for their continued generosity.”

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 96-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up 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 Hospice of the Calumet Area by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit hospicecalumet.org. Learn more about Strack & Van Til’s community involvement at strackandvantil.com/community.