How well do you know your neighbors? Many in Northwest Indiana are struggling with financial insecurity, joblessness, hunger and more. Some in the Region are homeless and feel helpless. It is for these reasons that United Way Northwest Indiana is here to assist and support those in your community.

You can join the effort from Monday, June 9 through Sunday, June 15, 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 those 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 their mission and affecting lives across Northwest Indiana. 

From helping fight homelessness in Hammond to fostering youth employment and job training in Gary and more, Valparaiso-based United Way Northwest Indiana provides a wide range of programs. For example, its Level Up program supports 255 active enrollees and has graduated more than 300 individuals from the Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed (ALICE) population, helping them secure better-paying careers and financial stability.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be chosen as a partner for Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge,” says Scott Oostman, United Way Northwest Indiana director of Communications and Operations. “Their generosity and that of their customers have an outsized impact on our ability to reach the communities we serve in Northwest Indiana, creating a better and brighter future where every resident can thrive.”   

Along with the funds needed to support programming, the organization depends on dedicated and hard-working volunteers to make things happen. This year, United Way Northwest Indiana is excited to again feature its Day of Caring, United Way’s largest single-day volunteer event, uniting people from all corners of Northwest Indiana to roll up their sleeves and make a difference together.

Kicking off on Aug. 1 with a breakfast celebration at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, the Day of Caring continues as hundreds of volunteers disperse across Northwest Indiana to dozens of sites. There, they’ll work on projects that support communities and organizations, such as revitalizing a park, preparing classroom materials, assembling hygiene kits and supporting food pantries.

Continuing its more than 95-year tradition of philanthropy, Strack & Van Til raises funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the communities they serve 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 to help improve residents’ lives in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and other Indiana counties by participating in the Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on programs, to volunteer, to take part in Day of Caring or to donate, visit United Way Northwest Indiana at unitedwaynwi.org. To learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities in which they serve, visit strackandvantil.com/company/community-involvement.