Cook Medical’s Ongoing Commitment to LUM
Eight Years of Service and Counting
For more than eight years, the West Lafayette Cook companies—Cook Research, Cook Advanced Technologies, and MED Institute—have been a steadfast supporter of the LUM Emergency Shelter, providing more than 140 balanced hot meals to guests. This partnership has not only ensured that those in need receive warm, nourishing meals but has also expanded over time to include breakfast distributions for guests as they start their day.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cook Medical has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the LUM Emergency Shelter, pledging to provide and serve 20 additional hot meals for shelter guests throughout the year.
More Than Just Meals: Cook’s Broader Impact
Cook Medical’s dedication to LUM extends beyond meal service:
- Hunger Hike Support: Since 2016, Cook Medical has contributed $17,000 in monetary support to the Hunger Hike, benefiting food programs, locally (through LUM), regionally, and globally.
- Collection Drive: Cook maintains an ongoing collection drive for toiletries, particularly targeting traveling Cook employees. These essential hygiene items are delivered to the shelter during meal service dates, ensuring LUM guests have access to basic necessities.
- Thanksgiving Fundraisers: Cook Research has hosted Thanksgiving lunches for all three West Lafayette Cook companies for the past two years, with proceeds benefiting both LUM and the local food bank. Each organization received a $750 donation from these fundraiser events.
- Holiday Giving: Before Thanksgiving, Cook employees from Cook Research Incorporated, Cook Advanced Technologies, and MED Institute organized a collection drive for food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies, helping fulfill the LUM Holiday Wish List and ensuring shelter guests and food pantry shoppers received essential support during the season.
Volunteers Reflect on Giving Back
Cook Medical’s impact is fueled by its dedicated employees who volunteer their time and talents to serve at LUM. Here’s what some of them had to say about their experiences:
Andrea Agree, Senior Regulatory Scientist:
“I volunteer with the Cook team at LUM to help meet a need in my community. For my part, it requires a minimal investment to serve a meal that I know has a tangible impact for the LUM guests. The guests are always appreciative of the meals prepared by the Cook kitchen team, and it’s so rewarding to be part of this effort. I especially enjoy time spent in conversation with those that stay for the night. I try to do any small thing I can in support of someone’s dignity and sense of normalcy—whether it’s exchanging small talk, tracking down a different condiment, or cutting corn off a cob so it’s easier to chew. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.” (Pictured)
Lecretia Graves, Cook Biomedical Engineer:
“I volunteer to connect with my community. Compassion and empathy are even more important during rough times. I want to grow a better future and contribute in any way I can to give back to my community.”
Mary Hamer, Cook Chef and Meal Planner for LUM:
“I absolutely love using my God-given talent, as there is no better feeling than when it brings joy to others. Employees at Cook are blessed by our culture, which encourages and thrives on giving back to the community.” (Pictured)
Kathleen L Mills, M.S., Senior Process Improvement Manager:
“I volunteer at LUM because I know that anyone at any time could end up in the same situation. My family had very little – my dad struggled to hold a job – we lost our home multiple times throughout my childhood and ended up living with my grandparents. Not everyone can provide the basic necessities for themselves or their families – but everyone deserves respect, compassion and support when they need it most. LUM gives me the opportunity to give back to those who need it most.”
Inspired? Here’s How You and Your Business Can Get Involved
If Cook Medical’s story has inspired you, consider how your business can support LUM’s mission. There are many ways to get involved:
- Volunteer as a team to serve meals at the LUM Emergency Shelter.
- Host a fundraising event or sponsor an initiative to support vital LUM programs.
- Organize a collection drive for food, hygiene items, or household supplies to benefit those in need.
- Partner with LUM for long-term community impact, just as Cook Medical has done.
To learn more about how your organization can make a difference, contact LUM today. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more compassionate community.
A Grateful Acknowledgment
LUM is incredibly grateful for Cook Medical’s ongoing generosity, dedication, and compassion. The company’s commitment to feeding, supporting, and uplifting the community has made a significant difference in the lives of many. As Cook Medical continues its partnership with LUM into 2025, we celebrate the profound impact of their contributions and the generosity of their volunteers.
Thank you, Cook Medical, for being an invaluable partner in the LUM mission to serve our neighbors in need.