In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, invites you to be a part of transforming the world into something better through LUM. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. See below for more ways to engage with LUM in 2025.

As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to reflect on your goals and resolutions. What better way to start the year than by committing to volunteer with LUM and make a tangible difference in your community? LUM offers numerous ways for you to fulfill your resolutions while supporting those in need.

Provide After School Snacks

Volunteer to supply after-school snacks or needed items for the students in the LUM After School Program. This simple act ensures that children have nutritious snacks and essential supplies during the winter months, helping them stay focused and energized. View the LUM Wish List to see what items are needed most.

Support the Shelter

Consider preparing and serving a meal or providing to-go meals for the guests at the LUM Emergency Shelter or bagged meals for the Winter Warming Station. You can also donate essential items to help provide warmth and hope for those facing the harsh winter streets. View the LUM Wish List to see what items are needed most. (Pictured is the Tillett family providing & serving a meal at the Emergency Shelter.)

Stock Up the Food Pantry & Volunteer

Organize a food drive for the LUM Protein Food Pantry to ensure no one goes hungry during the colder months. Regular volunteers at the food pantry on Mondays from noon to 4 p.m. are also needed. Your efforts provide struggling families with the nourishment they need to get through winter. View the LUM Wish List to see what items are needed most.

Be a winter hero – make a difference today! For more information and to explore volunteer opportunities, visit LUMserve.org/volunteer or click the LUM volunteer button or the program names below. Find an experience with LUM that matches your 2025 goals and resolutions.

• After School Program
• Afternoon Receptionist
• Food Pantry
• Food Rescue

• Deep Cleaning Days
• Shelter - To-Go Meals
• Shelter - Overnight Volunteer
• Shelter - Provide Meals

As you set your New Year's resolutions, consider incorporating community investment into your plans. LUM offers numerous avenues to transform your aspirations into meaningful actions that benefit both you and the community.

Make a Financial Contribution

Support LUM by making a direct financial donation through our website or in person at the LUM office. Setting up recurring donations ensures consistent and ongoing support for our programs, making a lasting impact throughout the year.

Host Fundraising Events

Take the initiative to organize fundraising events and collection drives within your community, workplace, or social circles. Mobilize others to participate and amplify your collective impact, generating crucial financial support for the various LUM programs. (Pictured is the SIA Team donating needed items from their annual employee collection drive for LUM Youth Programs.)

Explore Corporate Partnerships

If you represent a business or organization, consider partnering with LUM for joint initiatives that align with your mission. Collaborate on projects that benefit the community and make a lasting difference. Business may also sponsor LUM events like We've Got Talent, Day for Dads, Hunger Hike, and Turkey Trot 5K Run.

By engaging with LUM, you can achieve your personal resolutions while contributing to the well-being of others. Together, we can make 2025 a year of hope and progress.

For more information and to explore opportunities for investing in LUM, visit LUMserve.org/donate.

Hunger Hike 2024, originally scheduled for September 22, was canceled due to inclement weather to ensure the safety of participants. Despite this, the event achieved a record-breaking fundraising total of $120,156, showcasing the incredible spirit and generosity of our community.

Last month, Hunger Hike director Josh Prokopy distributed the funds. Each agency received $32,368. Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, Kier Crites Muller, chief executive officer & president of Food Finder Food Bank, Inc., and Duane Sellers, Haiti Committee chair of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center, accepted the donations (pictured above). LUM will allocate the funds to support food programs including the LUM Protein Food Pantry, while Food Finder Food Bank will provide protein, milk, and eggs through their Fresh Market Pantry, and the Haiti Committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center will provide hybrid seeds, food, clean drinking water, and medicine to the people of their sister parish in Baudin, Haiti.

The Hunger Hike team extends heartfelt thanks to all event sponsors, fundraisers, and volunteers whose dedication made this achievement possible. Special recognition to the Honorary Co-Chairs: Jack Kellmanson, director of Purdue Rowing & Crew Team and the Purdue Black Cultural Center director, Dr. Anne Marie Edwards. Hunger Hike is a unique event that combats hunger on local, regional, and global levels. With 199 fundraisers and 25 teams, Hunger Hike 2024 was a monumental success.

Mark your calendars for the next Hunger Hike on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Let’s come together again to make an even greater impact. The Hunger Hike team can’t wait to see you there!