A cancer diagnosis can evoke a sea of emotions and questions. Support from family, friends and community organizations can provide the map to navigate those uncharted waters. Cancer Resource Centre, in Munster, helps those affected by cancer get the support and resources they need to cope with the diagnosis.

From Monday, June 10, through Sunday, June 16, Cancer Resource Centre will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at their local Strack & Van Til store with those extra funds donated to the organization.

Cancer Resource Centre is a program of the Community Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of cancer care in Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Marie Macke, executive director of Oncology Services, says the proceeds of the Round Up will help the organization continue to provide all of its services at no cost to cancer patients and their loved ones. Services include, but are not limited to, professionally facilitated networking groups, educational lectures, yoga, tai chi, expressive art therapy and music wellness sessions.

According to its website, Cancer Resource Centre’s mission is “to promote the well-being of all people whose lives have been touched by cancer, by offering support, education and encouragement.”

Macke notes that 3,254 cancer patients and caregivers used the services of Cancer Resource Centre in 2023, and since its opening in 2003, there have been more than 62,300 visits to the center.

“We are immensely grateful to Strack & Van Til and its customers for their support of Cancer Resource Centre,” says Macke. “Their generosity helps further our mission of providing resources, hope and camaraderie to local cancer patients and their families.”

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 its serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

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

“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 Cancer Resource Centre by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

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