LUM Volunteer of the Month – Carole Hahm
Lafayette Urban Ministry is proud to honor Carole Hahm has been named the LUM Volunteer of the Month for August 2025 in recognition of her dedication to serving the Lafayette community through the LUM Protein Food Pantry. A native of Wisconsin, Carole has called Lafayette home for the past 35 years with her husband. She earned a degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University and spent 20 years as a pharmacist at CVS before retiring. Carole now dedicates her time to helping others, combining her professional experience with her passion for community service.
Making a Difference at the Food Pantry
Early on in her time with the LUM Protein Food Pantry, Carole took the initiative to make laundry detergent for shoppers. Her detergent has become a staple in the hygiene and cleaning supplies section of the pantry, and shoppers consistently say it’s the best detergent they’ve ever used. LUM estimates that the food pantry distributes more than 10,000 bottles of laundry detergent each year—all thanks to Carole and her detergent-making team.
Faith and Community
Carole’s volunteer work is rooted in her faith and her church family at Grace Lutheran Church.
“I love working with my church family to serve others in our community,” she says.
Reliability and Spirit
Carole is one of the most reliable and hardworking volunteers at LUM. She works diligently but always with a smile and good humor, creating a welcoming atmosphere that brightens the day for both fellow volunteers and pantry shoppers. Her positive spirit encourages others, fosters camaraderie among volunteers, and makes every interaction with shoppers warm and uplifting.
Life Beyond Volunteering
When she’s not volunteering, Carole enjoys gardening and landscaping, beekeeping, and spending quality time with her family and friends—including traveling to see her three granddaughters and their parents.
A Message from Carole
“God has blessed my life in so many ways,” Carole shares, “and thanks to Him, I am able to help my neighbors in the Lafayette community meet some of their basic needs.”
LUM’s Appreciation
LUM is grateful for Carole’s generosity, energy, and compassion. Volunteers like her make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless community members. Thank you, Carole, for your years of service, your generous heart, and the impact you’ve made on so many local families.
Be Inspired
If you are inspired by Carole’s story and wish to volunteer with LUM, please check out all of the opportunities on the LUM website at LUMserve.org/volunteer. If you have questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to the LUM volunteer coordinator at volunteer@LUMserve.org or 765-423-2691.