In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares the seventh in a series of Poverty Myth Busters. In this video, debunks the myth that earning more leads to giving more. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE it with friends.

LUM is thrilled to honor Melissa Martin as the Volunteer of the Month for December 2024. Melissa’s commitment to balancing work, family, and volunteerism reflects her dedication to community impact.

Melissa and her family attend St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Her 26-year involvement with LUM includes 21 years as a LUM Jubilee Christmas coordinator and two years on the LUM Board of Directors. Her leadership has brought joy to countless families during the holiday season.

“LUM's mission of being 'in the business of restoring human dignity' resonates deeply with me. I enjoy being able to give back to the community through LUM and Jubilee Christmas,” Melissa shared. “Volunteering at LUM is a great way to meet people, serve the community, and make a difference. I always leave Jubilee Christmas feeling blessed by the guests we serve.”

LUM is thankful for her years of service and leadership to LUM. If you’re inspired by Melissa’s story and want to volunteer with LUM, visit our website or email or call the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691). To read more about Melissa, click HERE.

Over the past month, LUM witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of generosity and support through a series of impactful events, each highlighting the strength of a community united in its commitment to uplifting those in need. Collectively, these events contributed more than $86,600 to advance the mission of LUM.

• VILLAGE SOUP DAY Westminster Village of West Lafayette once again sponsored the Village Soup Day, raising $3,250. This generous donation, along with the food items collected for the LUM Food Pantry, provides a significant boost to the LUM efforts to support local families and children. {Pictured above left.}
• GIVING TUESDAY On #GivingTuesday, LUM raised $6,378 to support our mission. Your kind gestures, helping hands, and heartfelt donations have transformed how the LUM approaches giving, inspiring us throughout the year. Thank you for partnering with LUM to make this year's Giving Tuesday a success.

• KLEMME $3,000 MATCH LUM is deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the Neil Klemme State Farm Insurance Agency for sponsoring a Match Program for LUM Homeless Services. The campaign raised an impressive $10,270.
• RUN THE BALL Purdue’s Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) chapter raised a record $28,183 for LUM Homeless Services. {Pictured above right.}
• TURKEY TROT 5K RUN LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run, raising a record-breaking $42,244. These funds benefit the LUM programs, including youth enrichment, food assistance, financial support, and homeless services.

To everyone who participated, donated, or volunteered during these events—your generosity is transforming lives. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community.

This past Saturday, the Purdue Women’s Basketball team hosted their annual Teddy Bear Toss, spreading holiday cheer in a memorable way. During halftime, Boilermaker fans eagerly tossed hundreds of new plush animals onto the court, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere. All the plush animals were collected and generously donated to LUM.

Purdue made the experience extra special by providing tickets for LUM students and their families to attend the game. The evening began with a festive holiday meal at Mackey Arena, generously provided by Levy Restaurants at Purdue.

The donated plush animals will be distributed to local children during the upcoming LUM Jubilee Christmas on Saturday. A heartfelt thank you to the Purdue Women’s Basketball team, the Athletic Marketing & Fan Experience crew, and Levy Restaurants at Purdue for their generous gift to LUM families & Jubilee Christmas.