They say it takes a village to raise a child. When that child has developmental disabilities and becomes an adult, community organizations providing specialized support are a welcome helping hand.

To join in the community effort from Monday, April 20, through Sunday, May 3, In-Pact will be the beneficiary of the Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge Round Up in Lake County stores and Opportunity Enterprises in 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 to the organizations.

According to its website, In-Pact is “dedicated to helping individuals with autism and other disabilities reach their highest level of independence, develop their capabilities and live a life filled with positive options.” Co-founder and marketing coordinator Sue Moreno says In-Pact serves about 200 individuals.

She says the organization will use the Round Up proceeds for outdoor furniture for day services attendees, as well as similar projects to enhance their daily lives. 

“We are humbled and honored to be chosen as a recipient in the Checkout Challenge Round Up at Strack & Van Til stores in Lake County, where we shop on a regular basis,” says Moreno.

Opportunity Enterprises serves nearly 1,400 individuals annually, and President and CEO Neil Samahon says proceeds from Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up will fund its employment readiness and job placement, residential and supported living services, day and life‑skills programs, transportation and specialized support for individuals with more complex needs.

Since 2017, Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge has raised more than $118,000 to support OE’s mission to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.

“Opportunity Enterprises is thrilled to once again be the recipient of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge,” says Samahon.

“We cannot thank Strack & Van Til employees and its customers enough for supporting our mission. We simply could not do what we do without community support, and Strack & Van Til customers continue to show that giving a little each trip can make a big difference.”

Continuing its 96-year tradition of philanthropy, Strack & Van Til raises funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the Northwest Indiana communities it serves.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is part of Strack & Van Til’s culture,” says President Jeff Strack. He credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the Checkout Challenge Round Ups’ success.

“Our stores, with our employees’ help, 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.”

For program information, to volunteer or to donate, visit In-Pact at in-pact.org and Opportunity Enterprises at oppent.org. To learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back, visit strackandvantil.com/community.