In this week’s edition of Wes’s Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, gives a recap of Hunger Hike 2024. He thanks all of the participants, donors, and event sponsors – and encourages you to give to help reach the goal. Please take just 58 seconds to watch the video and SHARE it with others. Learn more about Hunger Hike below.

Join us in congratulating Catherine Robinson for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for September 2024.

As a Volunteer Afternoon Receptionist, Catherine has been volunteering with LUM for just a few months, but her kindness, warmth, and dedication have already made a lasting impact at LUM.

When asked about her motivation for volunteering, Catherine shared, "There is a great need in the community, and LUM is a wonderful ministry that assists individuals in need. It’s rewarding to help others, no matter their circumstances. We are here to help one another." LUM is incredibly grateful for Catherine’s dedication and looks forward to her continued positive influence. Thank you, Catherine!

If you’re inspired by Catherine’s story and want to volunteer with LUM, visit our website HERE or email or call the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).

Though heavy rain led to the cancellation of all activities, the Hunger Hike 2024 fundraiser continued with remarkable strength and generosity. While we missed gathering as a community in the fight against hunger, the spirit of support was stronger than ever, helping us reach 97% of our $110,000 goal!

Despite not being able to come together in person with the Purdue Crew Team, Purdue Pete, elected officials, local businesses, and school & church groups, the dedication to this vital cause was clear. Donations poured in, showing that our community’s commitment to ending hunger remains resilient. Although we haven’t quite met our goal, we are optimistic and still accepting donations to help close the gap and further strengthen our impact.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported Hunger Hike 2024, even from afar. Your dedication proves that, rain or shine, our mission to fight hunger is unshakable. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.

{Pictured - a few people showed up and walked the Hunger Hike route even though they knew the festivities were canceled.}

Join the effort to exceed the goal of raising $110,000 to support hunger relief efforts at the local, regional, and global levels. Here are five super easy ways to donate to Hunger Hike today:

1. DONATE ONLINE - Make an Online Donate, HERE
2. SUPPORT A TEAM - Donate to a Hunger Hike Team, HERE
3. SUPPORT A HIKER - Donate to a “Hiker,” HERE
4. EVENT SPONSOR - Become an Event Sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org or call 765-423-2691
5. DONATE BY MAIL or IN PERSON - Mail in or drop off a donation (Make your check payable to Hunger Hike; Mail or Drop off to — Hunger Hike, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901)

There is still time to join in and make a real difference. Let’s do this together!

September is Hunger Action Month, an initiative that highlights the reality of food insecurity while giving everyone the chance to take action to fight against hunger. The LUM Food Pantry needs your support this fall & winter. Here are SEVEN WAYS YOU can help LUM while celebrating Hunger Action Month.

1. DONATIONS – Monetary donations are ideal because the money will be used supporting LUM Food Programs where it is needed the most.
2. VOLUNTEER – Join the dedicated team at the LUM Protein Food Pantry each Monday afternoon & Thursday afternoon to set up and assist shoppers.
3. HOST A DRIVE – Coordinate a “drive” for the LUM Food Pantry at your church, organization, or business — or at your next event like a birthday or company social. Check the LUM Wish List and keep it simple.
4. NEEDED ITEMS – Families need paper products, cleaning supplies, and infant and personal hygiene items. Purchase needed items and drop items off or shop online and ship them. Go to Amazon.com, shop from the LUM Wish List, order & ship to LUM.
5. FOOD RESCUE – LUM needs volunteers to “rescue” food from local restaurants, bakeries & grocery stores. Please help us save, gather, and share food with our neighbors in need. It’s a win-win-win – RESCUE food, SHARE food & REDUCE food waste.
6. HUNGER HIKE – Donate to Hunger Hike 2024 and help reach the goal. See the article above for more information or click HERE.
7. GIVING GARDENERS – The LUM Food Pantry welcomes donations from “Giving Gardeners” who have “grown a row” for LUM or simply wish to donate from their garden.

You are also encouraged to WEAR ORANGE to celebrate and raise awareness for Hunger Action Month. If you have questions or need further information, go to LUMserve.org/food-pantry, call 765-423-2691 or email foodpantry@LUMserve.org.

Please thank the Hunger Hike 2024 event sponsors for joining the Fight Against Hunger – and support their businesses, please. To view the list, click HERE.