When disaster hits, the American Red Cross springs into action, and in the aftermath of the recent destructive storms in Northwest Indiana, it is the Northwest Chapter of the Indiana Region that is helping residents pick up the pieces.

You can join the effort from Monday, Aug. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 6, when the Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross, Indiana Region 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 funds donated directly to Red Cross Disaster Relief in light of the Indiana storms.

This effort is in response to the derecho that swept across Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana Aug. 11, producing winds of more than 100 mph and spawning several tornadoes, including an EF‑1 in Munster and an EF‑2 through St. John toward Crown Point.

According to Janie Bohlmann, Red Cross Indiana regional communications manager, proceeds from the Round Up will help the organization with disaster relief, especially from the most recent storm. That includes providing shelter, warm meals, emergency supplies, comfort and care. The Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross serves more than 1.8 million people across 23 counties, and the Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people across 104 counties.

“Our hearts are with those who have been impacted by recent severe weather, tornadoes and flooding across the Indiana Region,” says Regional Executive Terry Stigdon. “We’re grateful for the generosity of donors who help support our disaster relief efforts and empower our volunteers to be a light on someone’s darkest day.”

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 Round Up.

“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 Red Cross Northwest Chapter by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

Sign up to volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer and to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org.

Learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities it serves at strackandvantil.com/community.