LUM Volunteer of the Month – Melissa Martin
Meet Superstar LUM Volunteer – Melissa Martin
LUM Board & Jubilee Christmas Volunteer
Lafayette Urban Ministry is proud to honor Melissa K. Martin as the Volunteer of the Month for December 2024. Melissa’s longstanding dedication to LUM and her deep commitment to the community exemplify the essence of volunteerism.
Melissa was born in Kokomo, Indiana, but with numerous moves throughout her life, she considers Lafayette and West Lafayette home. A graduate of Harrison High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Hanover College and is a Certified Public Accountant. Melissa currently works at Purdue University as the Employment Center Operations Manager for the College of Engineering and Purdue Polytechnic Institute.
Her connection to LUM spans 26 years, with 21 of those years dedicated to serving as a LUM Jubilee Christmas Coordinator. She has also served as a LUM Board member for one to two years. Through her role with Jubilee Christmas, Melissa has played a pivotal part in bringing 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.”
Melissa’s commitment to service is grounded in her strong family ties and her connection to Purdue University. She and her husband, Chris, who also works at Purdue, have been married for 29 years. Their family’s bond with the university runs deep, with all three of their daughters graduating from Purdue and two currently working there. Their son is a junior at Purdue, and one of their daughters lives and works in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. Her ability to balance professional, personal, and volunteer commitments highlights her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community.
LUM is grateful for Melissa’s years of service and the leadership she brings to Jubilee Christmas. Her contributions continue to enrich the lives of many and strengthen the mission of LUM.
If you are inspired by Melissa’s story and would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).