LUM Volunteer of the Month – Bridgett Sharp
Spotlight on LUM Thanksgiving Super Star
A Thanksgiving Tradition of Service
When Thanksgiving rolls around, many families look forward to gathering together. For Bridgett R. Sharp and her family, the holiday became an opportunity to give back to the Greater Lafayette community. A special education teacher for nearly three decades, Bridgett discovered the LUM Thanksgiving Community Feast through a friend—and it changed the way her family celebrates the holiday.
“Volunteering for LUM is an amazing way to make a difference in your own community. You can see the difference it makes. It’s a blessing to the community and to yourself.”
Leading the Feast, Bringing the Family
As Captain of the serving crew at the LUM Community Thanksgiving Feast, Bridgett doesn’t just lead the team—she brings her entire family into the experience. Her husband, Terry, a middle school teacher at Klondike, and all four of their children—Addie (23, IU Health), Charlie (22, Purdue master’s student), Libby (18, Purdue freshman studying social work), and Henry (12, Klondike Middle School)—join her in serving meals, creating a multigenerational tradition of giving. Friends often join as well, helping make the day a celebration of service, family, and community.
“We bring our whole family because serving together is a blessing—we get to show our children the joy of helping others and the impact we can make together.”
Beyond the Thanksgiving Table
Bridgett’s volunteerism extends beyond the Feast. She helps prepare bagged meals for the LUM Winter Warming Station and serves meals at the overnight LUM Emergency Shelter. Her dedication is deeply personal: her father, a disabled veteran, spent years without a home before finally reuniting with his family. This experience drives Bridgett to extend kindness and compassion to others in need.
“I want to be that person to others in need whenever I can.”
Education, Family, and Personal Joys
Bridgett earned her BA in Special Education from Purdue University and has spent 29 years teaching in Benton and Tippecanoe counties. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys time with her family and their four rescue dogs—Lucy, Roxi, Beau, and Winnie—as well as her daughters’ two dogs, Peanut and Coco. She loves baking, traveling to Florida to visit her mom, and spending time at the beach, her personal happy place.
Compassion and Community Impact
Outside of volunteering, Bridgett cherishes time with her family and their four rescue dogs, enjoys baking, and loves trips to the beach in Florida with her mom. Her warmth, leadership, and dedication inspire all who serve alongside her at LUM, proving that generosity can be shared across generations.
“I’m always amazed at how much we can accomplish together, and I love talking to the guests and learning about the journey they are on.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
On behalf of the entire LUM Food Programs and Homeless Services team at Lafayette Urban Ministry, join us in thanking Bridgett for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and the compassion she brings to our community every day.
Be Inspired
Inspired by Bridgett? Join her and hundreds of other volunteers at Lafayette Urban Ministry—help make a difference today. 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.