The Fall Season at LUM - The Season of Giving | |
Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Poverty Myth Buster #5 | |
In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director, shares the fifth in a series of "Poverty Myth Busters." In this video, he busts the myth that "I (we) have no part in making other people poor." Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE it with others. | |
As we transition from the dog days of summer in August to the crisp, giving spirit of fall, LUM has a lineup of events and programs designed to enrich our community. For more details, visit LUMserve.org. Here are the highlights. | |
|
August
After School Program — The school year has started. Offering age-appropriate activities, early literacy programs, and engaging extracurriculars, the LUM After School Program fosters physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. More than just child care, LUM provides hope for families by delivering affordable, high-quality services that allow parents to work to earn an income, knowing their children are well cared for. This nurturing environment promises a brighter, more prosperous future for the entire community.
| |  |
|
September
Hunger Hike — Join us on Sunday, September 22, at 1 p.m. at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN, for the annual Hunger Hike fundraiser. This event stems from the belief that collective action can drive real change. Our goal this year is to raise $110,000 to support food and nutrition programs through LUM, Food Finders, and St. Thomas Aquinas. By participating in Hunger Hike, you can help create a more promising future for the most vulnerable members of our community — locally, regionally, and globally.
| | |
|
October
Jubilee Christmas — While Jubilee Christmas isn’t until Saturday, December 14, preparations begin in October. Families are able to start registering in October, and LUM will collaborate with local churches to organize host sites.
Jubilee Christmas ensures that no one has to choose between basic needs and the magic of the holiday season. Each donation is a message of love and compassion, showing these families that their community cares and supports them through tough times.
| | |
|
November
Community Thanksgiving Feast — November marks the season of gratitude and togetherness. LUM is excited to announce the free Community Thanksgiving Feast, made possible by the generosity of donors who understand the importance of celebrating and sharing Thanksgiving day (11/28) with everyone in our community.
| Turkey Trot 5K Run — Join us on Thanksgiving morning (11/28) for the LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run. Proceeds benefit local families in need. Learn more. | | |
The Power of Legacy Gifts for LUM | |
It's a Win-Win for YOU, LUM & Our Neighbors | | |
|
|
Legacy gifts offer a profound opportunity for donors to make a lasting impact on Lafayette Urban Ministry while securing their personal legacy. By including LUM in your estate plans through bequests, trusts, or other planned giving vehicles, you ensure that future generations benefit from the essential services and programs LUM provides.
These gifts provide crucial long-term support, enabling LUM to sustain its mission of tackling basic human needs and uplifting the people of our community.
| |
Beyond the financial benefits such as estate tax deductions, reduced estate taxes, and a Qualified Charitable Distribution, legacy giving allows donors to leave a mark on the causes they care about deeply. | |
For LUM, legacy gifts are a cornerstone of financial stability and strategic growth. They empower LUM to plan for the future, innovate in program development, and expand its impact. Whether supporting existing initiatives or launching new programs to meet evolving community needs, legacy gifts enable LUM to remain responsive and effective in serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Your decision to leave a legacy gift to also reflects your commitment to creating a more compassionate and equitable society for all. For more information, go to LUM Legacy Giving Guide or email Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, when you’re ready to talk further at lum@LUMserve.org. | |
Calling the Shots - Using DAF to Support LUM | |
Donor-Advised Funds Provide YOU with Flexibility | |
|
Donor-advised funds provide donors with a flexible and strategic way to support Lafayette Urban Ministry and its vital community programs.
By establishing a DAF, donors are “calling the shots,” making contributions to LUM and recommending how those funds are distributed over time. This approach allows donors to maximize their charitable impact while benefiting from potential tax advantages.
| |
|
|
Supporting LUM through a donor-advised fund ensures that your donations directly contribute to initiatives such as financial assistance, homeless services, youth programs, and food security efforts. Donor-advised funds enable LUM friends to support LUM services they care about deeply and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local individuals and families in need.
Please call or email Wes Tillett, LUM executive director (765-423-2691 | lum@LUMserve.org) if you would like to learn more about this option — or visit our website by clicking the button below.
| |
Win-Win - Support LUM & Earn Tax Credits | |
Neighborhood Assistance Program - Check It Out | | |
|
Lafayette Urban Ministry is now offering Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits, a way for you to support LUM and receive a 50% credit on your Indiana state taxes. The process is simple — make a donation and complete the form. For every dollar you donate, you will received a $0.50 credit on your state taxes. Your tax credits will be available upon receipt of your donation and completed NAP Donor Contribution Form, and will be awarded when you file your Indiana state income taxes. Your donation will support LUM Homeless Services, as required by NAP guidelines. Click the button below to learn more — and begin earning tax credits! | |
LUM Offers a Variety of Ways to Fight Hunger | |
Pantry Donation | Shelter Meals | Students' Snacks | |
LUM Food Programs are dedicated to combating hunger and providing essential nutrition to those in need. LUM offers a variety of services, including the Protein Food Pantry, Emergency Shelter meals, Youth Programs snacks, and To-Go Meals. | |
|
Get Involved
Volunteers are the heart of LUM Food Programs. Helping hands are needed every day.
-
Protein Food Pantry: Assist with distributing high-protein food items to families in need every Monday & Thursday.
-
Emergency Shelter Meals: Prepare and serve nutritious meals to our shelter guests each and every night.
-
Youth Programs: Donate snacks for LUM students.
-
To-Go Meals: Prepare simple bagged to-go meals. Make it a family or group project.
| | |
|
Make a Difference
Here's how you can contribute:
-
Food Drive & Donations: Organize a Collection Drive and donate needed items for the LUM food pantry and youth programs.
-
Hunger Hike — Join us on Sunday, September 22, at 1 p.m. at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN, for the annual Hunger Hike fundraiser.
-
Monetary Donations: Financial contributions help us purchase food in bulk and cover operational costs. Every dollar counts and directly supports our mission to feed the hungry.
| | | |
|
|
With school back in session, food pantry volunteer numbers have dropped, and LUM needs your help more than ever. No training is required, and it costs you nothing to make a big impact.
Join us on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings to support our community during this time of increased need.
| |
Volunteering at the food pantry offers a rewarding opportunity to make a direct impact by assisting shoppers and ensuring they receive the essentials they need. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in food distribution, from picking up donations to organizing the pantry. Learn more. | |
Financial Assistance Program | | |
Homeless Services | Shelter | | | | | |
