Caring for loved ones is an honor and a responsibility, and when it comes to end-of-life decisions, dignity and comfort are paramount. That is why many people choose hospice care.

From Monday, April 22 through Sunday, April 28, Hospice of the Calumet Area will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can choose to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at their local Strack & Van Til store with the extra funds donated to the organization.

According to its mission statement, Hospice of the Calumet Area, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to improving the quality of life through compassionate care for individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness.

“Since 1981, Hospice of the Calumet Area has served more than 22,000 patients in five counties. A quarter of those patients are veterans. Since our in-patient facility, the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, was built in 1997, more than 5,500 patients have been cared for,” says Marketing and Community Relations Director Damian Rico. “HCA serves all of Lake and Porter County, parts of LaPorte County and surrounding Illinois communities regardless of ability to pay. Last year, we provided $3 million in charity, discounted or uncompensated care to those in need.”

Rico adds that HCA has consistently received HEALTHCAREfirst’s Hospice Honors Elite recognition (based on surveys completed by caregivers) and Medicare/Medicaid 5-star status for excellence in hospice care.

“We are proud of our Cherishing Life team. From our inspiring staff to our active beautiful 450-plus volunteers who have a true heart for serving, we are humbled and honored to care for patients and families during their journey,” Rico notes.

From Transitions™ community resources and Healing Heart grief support to Caring Canines and other programs, HCA addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

“We couldn’t do this inspiring work without the encouragement and support of the community. It’s community leaders such as  Strack & Van Til and Town & Country and countless other donors, that make it all possible,” says Rico. “We’re humbled and greatly appreciate their extraordinary generosity. The Checkout Challenge has helped so many wonderful organizations and is a testament to the strength of community.”

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 94-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

President and CEO Jeff Strack credits the success of the Checkout Challenge Round Ups to Strack & Van Til customer generosity and the commitment of Strack & Van Til employees.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is just naturally a part of Strack & Van Til’s culture. We are incredibly grateful to our customers who contribute to these Round Up campaigns and make a difference in the lives of so many people,” Strack says. “They are the ones who give back to the community. Our stores, with the help of our employees, simply provide our customers with an outlet to donate to some of their favorite local organizations.”

Show your support for Hospice of the Calumet Area by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on programs or to volunteer or donate, visit hospicecalumet.org. To learn more about Strack & Van Til’s community involvement, visit strackandvantil.com/company/community-involvement.