Life in the Region looks different for everyone, and for many, that includes managing limited employment opportunities, financial hardship, food insecurity or uncertain housing. United Way Northwest Indiana works to meet these needs by offering programs and partnerships that provide steady support to residents throughout the community.

You can join the effort from Monday, March 23, through Sunday, March 29, when United Way Northwest Indiana will be the beneficiary of the Strack & Van Til 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 the extra funds donated to the organization.

United Way Northwest Indiana’s mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Northwest Indiana to advance the common good.” Proceeds from the Checkout Challenge Round Up will fund programs and support nonprofit partners focused on financial security, youth opportunity, healthy individuals and resilient communities. These funds play a crucial role in advancing its mission and affecting lives across Northwest Indiana.

From helping fight homelessness in Hammond to supporting prenatal and new mothers through Home to Health in Porter County and fostering volunteerism across the Region, United Way Northwest Indiana delivers a wide range of programs. The organization’s Level Up program, for example, has helped more than 300 individuals from the Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed (ALICE) population gain access to better-paying careers and improved financial stability.

Along with the funds needed to support programming, the organization relies on dedicated and hard-working volunteers who contribute their time and skills to keep initiatives moving forward. Their involvement strengthens United Way Northwest Indiana’s ability to reach more residents and maintain the programs sand many depend on.

“The Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when everyday people come together to make small contributions that magnify into meaningful impact. We are deeply

grateful to Strack & Van Til for this opportunity and for their ongoing support for our mission,” says Chris White, president & CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana.

“By simply rounding up at checkout, shoppers are helping build stronger families and stronger communities across our Region. It’s a straightforward act that, when multiplied across thousands of transactions, delivers real, measurable change.

“Strack & Van Til continues to lead by example — supporting not only this initiative but also volunteering through Day of Caring and investing in the well-being of Northwest Indiana year-round.

“This is collective action at its best. When everyone contributes a little, the impact is extraordinary. We are thankful to Strack & Van Til and their customers for making that impact possible,” White adds.

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

“Giving back to the communities we serve is just naturally a part of Strack & Van Til’s culture,” says President Jeff Strack. He 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.”

Help United Way Northwest Indiana create positive, lasting change and improve residents’ lives in Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton and Starke Counties by participating in the Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit United Way Northwest Indiana at unitedwaynwi.org. To learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities it serves, visit strackandvantil.com/community.