Did you know when the final bell rings around 3 o’clock every weekday that at least 7,700 children in Northwest Indiana might have nowhere to go after school? Due to situations such as homelessness, lack of physical safety and the need for parents or guardians to work away from the home, many youths don’t have a safe and healthy environment where they can spend time at the end of the school day.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana stand ready to help. And from Monday, March 11, through Sunday, March 17, the organization 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 those extra funds to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

The challenges facing kids in Northwest Indiana are staggering, with food insecurity, lack of physical and emotional safety, substance abuse, childhood obesity and cyber-bullying more prevalent than ever before. With 10 clubs and 11 Kidstop sites serving more than 7,700 youth age 5-18 in Lake and Porter Counties, the Boys & Girls Clubs provide hope and opportunity and make it possible for children and teens to realize their potential in a safe, fun, nurturing environment.

According to its website, the Clubs’ mission is “to inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” This goal is attainable with the help of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs, children and teens learn to succeed in a safe, fun, nurturing environment. The Clubs offer affordable after-school programs including homework help and mentoring and learning the importance of a strong work ethic, teamwork, sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship. Club members often make lasting friendships, and a high percentage graduate high school, which creates a path for their future as caring and responsible members of the community.

“We are honored and fortunate to have the support of Strack & Van Til and their consumer base for the Checkout Challenge Round Up. This opportunity brings together the entire Northwest Indiana community to help support our most precious commodity, children,” says Mike Jessen, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “Every time someone donates via the Round Up, they are making an investment in our area children. We appreciate the partnership and those that support our mission.”

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 they serve 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.

“Our stores, with the help of our employees, provide our customers with an outlet to give to some of their favorite local organizations,” he explains. “Our customers are the ones who give back to the community, and we are so grateful for them.”

Show your support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

For more information on programs, to volunteer or donate, visit bgcgreaternwi.org. To learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities it serves, visit strackandvantil.com/company/community-involvement.