In this week’s edition of Wes’s Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM Executive Director, shares his excitement for all of the LUM Thanksgiving programs, including the Turkey Trot 5K Run, Community Thanksgiving Feast, 40-for-40 Campaign as well as the Klemme Match Program and FIJI Run the Ball Event. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE it with others.

As Thanksgiving approaches, LUM is preparing for the beloved LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast, a tradition that brings together neighbors, friends, and families in the spirit of gratitude. LUM invites you to join us in making this event a memorable celebration of kindness and joy. Your contributions — whether food, supplies, or time — are essential to the success of the feast.

Urgent Needs

LUM is gratefully accepting cash & food donations. Here’s what’s needed:

• Ready-to-Serve Dinner Rolls
• Prepared Stuffing/Dressing
• Prepared Green Bean Casserole
• Canned Yams, Corn & Cranberry Sauce
• Pecan, Peach & Cherry Pies
• Unsweetened Tea
• Paper Towels, Dinner Plates & To-Go Containers
• All Purpose Cleaning Spray

Feast Details

• DATE: Thursday, November 28
• TIME: Noon – 2 p.m.
• LOCATION: Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N 7th St., Lafayette
• FREE – All are welcome

Your donation, no matter the size, will help transform this feast into a celebration of kindness and community. Let’s come together to create a Thanksgiving filled with shared joy and sustenance for all. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this Thanksgiving Feast a heartwarming celebration for our community.

In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, LUM launched the 40-for-40 Campaign with a goal of raising $40,000 — $1,000 for each incredible year of service. Thanks to your amazing support, we’re already at 84% of our goal, with $33,602 raised to date. We’re so close to reaching that final the $40,000 goal, and with your help, we can get there before the campaign at the end of this month. 

Every dollar makes a difference and goes directly to support the LUM Emergency Shelter and Winter Warming Station. Let’s come together and push this campaign over the finish line.

• DONATE: Every dollar goes towards sustaining vital services for our unhoused neighbors. Give now.
• KLEMME MATCH: Klemme State Farm Insurance will match donations to LUM Homeless Services up to $3,000, doubling your impact. Learn more.
• RUN the BALL Event: Purdue FIJI fraternity will compete with the IU FIJI chapter to raise funds for LUM, adding fun rivalry to our efforts. Learn more.

Help us go the distance and make a donation today to honor 40 years of service to our neighbors in need, especially during the winter months. Together, we can continue providing shelter, support, and hope when it’s needed most. Join us in celebrating this achievement and make a lasting impact on our community.

THANKSGIVING Day - LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run

Ready to kick off Thanksgiving Day with a fun and festive run? Whether you're a seasoned runner or simply looking for an exciting way to start the holiday, the LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run is all about celebrating community, gratitude, and the joy of moving together. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving tradition on November 28, supporting local individuals and families through LUM programs.

Pull on your running shoes, gather your crew, and join us on the Cattail Trail Loop for an unforgettable morning. Registration is only $35 for adults and $10 for youth—a great way to feel good while doing good. Register Today – the LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run:

• WHEN: Thursday, November 28
• WHERE: Cattail Trail Loop, West Lafayette
• TIMES: Start Time: 8:30 a.m. | Check-in from 7:15 - 8:15 a.m.
• DONATION: $35 Adults | $10 Youth

All proceeds benefit local individuals, families, and children through LUM programs and services.

Only 23 Days to LUM Jubilee Christmas

LUM Jubilee Christmas offers many fun opportunities to get engaged and make a difference this holiday season. From assisting parents as they shop for their children to helping with toy sorting, there’s a role for everyone.

Your contribution will help make this Christmas special for over 600 local families and 1,700 children. For more details, visit the LUM Jubilee Christmas page.

Volunteer

LUM needs plenty of volunteer “elves” to assist with various activities — perfect for groups!

• HOST a FAMILY: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. & 4:45 p.m (100+ volunteers needed)
• MOVE & SORT Toys: Monday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Donate

Make a monetary donation to Jubilee Christmas. Make a tribute gift in honor of a friend or family member. LUM will send a Holiday Card acknowledging your generous gift. Your donation will bring Christmas to a local family.

Give Needed Items Including Toys

LUM is collecting new, unwrapped toys, clothing (newborn to 12 years old), books, sports equipment, quilts, and more. Donations can be dropped off:

• LUM Office (Dec. 2-6, 1-5 p.m.)
• Oakland Academy (Dec. 9-10, 1-5 p.m.)
• Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. (Now through Dec. 9, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.)

Celebrate Homelessness Awareness Week

Support LUM Emergency Shelter & Winter Warming Station during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month. You and your group can make a meaningful impact by donating, volunteering, or assembling items to help our neighbors in need.

Donate Needed Items

Toiletries

• Hand towels
• Bath towels
• Unisex shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Hair combs
• Eczema relief cream

Clothing

• Men's & women's underwear (all sizes)
• Depends pull-ups (all sizes)
• Hair ties, scrunchies, bobby pins
• Winter hats, gloves & scarves

Meals Needed

• Prepare and serve meals for guests of the Emergency Shelter
• assemble & drop off meals for the Winter Warming Station guests.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Assist with nightly operations at the Emergency Shelter or Winter Warming Station.
• Help prepare and serve meals for guests.

How to Donate

• Drop Off Donations: LUM Office, M-F, 8:15am-4:30pm; Ray Ewry Center, 8:15-9pm
• Amazon Wish List: Order items directly online for quick delivery.
• Cash donations are preferred.

Your time, donations, and service ensure LUM can continue providing vital support and hope to those in need. Thank you for making a difference this season!