In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, offers Thanksgiving blessings to you. Please take 16 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others.

The LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast is a heartwarming celebration of neighborly love. This afternoon, this event united people for a scrumptious turkey feast with live performances from the West Lafayette High School Orchestra, Blue Moon Rising, and Chris Gipson.

Meticulous planning, 200 volunteers and lots & lots of donations made the feast a reality — serving 905 meals, including 82 turkeys and 112 homemade pies. LUM is grateful to Central Presbyterian Church for use of their facilities as well as all of the event sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

Beyond the culinary success, the event embodied the gratitude and compassion of the holiday, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness. Serving others became a powerful expression of neighborly love, making a positive impact and fostering awareness of the broader community. Happy Thanksgiving!

This #GivingTuesday, consider directing your generosity to Lafayette Urban Ministry for a local impact that extends globally. LUM, deeply rooted in the Greater Lafayette community, actively responds to unprecedented needs by providing essential resources for food, shelter, and emergency assistance. Your contribution becomes a catalyst for positive change, supporting diverse programs such as youth initiatives, homelessness services, and legal support through the Immigration Clinic. THIS Tuesday (11/28), by donating to LUM you not only build a stronger, more resilient community but also encourage a culture of compassion and social responsibility. Join the movement this Giving Tuesday and make a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and families in need.

VOLUNTEER | DONATE | GIVE NEEDED ITEMS

VOLUNTEER elves are needed to staff our Donation Center (Nov. 27 - Dec. 5) and to assist with Jubilee Christmas part 2 on Saturday, December 9. This is a great opportunity to host a family and assist them in shopping for their children. Please SHARE this with others.

DONATIONS are appreciated for Jubilee Christmas from churches, organizations and individuals, and help make the program a success. You can help by donating a cash gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more to Jubilee Christmas. Your cash gift to Jubilee Christmas may be given in honor of a friend or family member — in lieu of a holiday gift. LUM will send a Holiday Card sharing that a donation has been made by you to Jubilee Christmas in their name.

GIVE NEEDED ITEMS to Jubilee Christmas. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, clothing (newborn to 12-year-old), books, games, sports equipment, quilts/family blankets are welcome. Donations may be dropped off starting Monday (11/27) to the LUM Office (Lafayette) and Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. (West Lafayette).

For ONLY 7 MORE DAYS, the Neil Klemme State Farm Insurance Agency of West Lafayette is offering a “$3,000 Match Donation” in support of LUM. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to “double your donation” to LUM and increase your impact on strengthening local families thanks to the generosity of Neil Klemme Insurance Agency.

It’s simple — click the “Klemme Match” button (NOW through Thursday, November 30), make a donation, and the Neil Klemme Insurance Agency will match donations up to $3,000. This meaningful collaboration is particularly special as the Neil Klemme State Farm Insurance Agency is a local business. LUM deeply appreciates the generous support from the entire team at the Neil Klemme State Farm Insurance Agency.

Please note that all Klemme Match donations will be designated for

LUM Homeless Service including the Emergency Shelter & Winter Warming Station.

The LUM Turkey Trot 5K Run saw a remarkable turnout of participants this Thanksgiving morning, drawing a record crowd raising funds in support of LUM. It was a brisk morning, but at last count, the event garnered more than $37,000 in donations, with 851 individuals enthusiastically "trotting."

The Turkey Trot holds significant importance for LUM as it fosters a strong sense of community and serves as a vital source of funding for various LUM programs. These programs include youth initiatives, food pantries, financial assistance, immigration services, tax assistance, and homeless services.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, donors, and event sponsors who contributed to the success of the Turkey Trot. If you weren't able to join us for the event but would like to make a donation, simply click the button below. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for next year's Turkey Trot (11/28/2024) – we look forward to your participation!