Category Archives: Volunteer

Hunger Hike – Historic Event During COVID-19

Food Pantry, Giving, Hunger Hike, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LUM, Volunteer, , ,

$112,000+ Raised So Far! You Still May Give!

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Hunger Hike 2020 was a tremendous success — concluding with a remote event this past Sunday (September 20) — the “Livestream.”

It featured the traditional Zumba Warm Up from Studio b Dance & Fitness, the National Anthem sung by Julia Sibley, and a benediction by Bishop Timothy Doherty. It also featured remarks from local dignitaries Mayors John Dennis & Tony Roswarski, Council members Lisa Dullum & Kathy Parker. Hunger Hike co-chairs, Purdue Coaches Sharon Versyp and David Kucik, and their teams made an appearance. The Livestream also offered entertainment from One Size Fits All comedy improv group and magician, Scott Starkey, the Wizard of the Wabash.  

For decades, Hunger Hike has raised awareness for issues of malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger — and raised funds in excess of $2 million to support food & nutrition programs locally, regionally & globally. Thanks to YOU, the participants & sponsors, for supporting Hunger Hike this historic year. And YES! You still may donate to Hunger Hike, a Hunger Hike Team, or a “Hiker.” 

To donate by text, text HHIKE to 41444

Hunger Hike is one of longest running & well-respected fundraising events, with a history stretching back nearly 30 years. Proceeds from Hunger Hike support the work of three local agencies – Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Hunger Hike is an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while being part of a meaningful community event.

Donate to | Hunger Hike |  Hunger Hike Team | “Hiker” |

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Hunger Hike

Hunger Hike 2020 is HERE!

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Join us for the Hunger Hike Livestream which will included the traditional Zumba Warm Up led by Miss Brooke from Studio b Dance & Fitness, US National Anthem sung by Julia Sibley and benediction by Bishop Timothy L. Doherty. It also will feature remarks from local dignitaries, Mayors Tony Roswarski & John Dennis, Council members Lisa Dullum & Kathy Parker as well as the Hunger Hike co-chairs, Purdue Coaches Sharon Versyp and David Kucik. The Livestream will also offer entertainment from One Size Fits All comedy improv group & magician, Scott Starkey, the Wizard of the Wabash.

Let’s not forget though that Hunger Hike is a fundraising event to address the issues of malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger — and aims to raise funds to support food and nutrition programs locally, regionally & globally. Proceeds from Hunger Hike support the work of three local agencies – Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.& the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Hunger Hike is an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while being part of a meaningful community event.

Join us in “Unmasking Hunger” – and here’s how:

Hunger Hike is one of the longest-running & most well-respected fundraising events, with a history stretching back nearly 30 years. Together, we’ve raised more than $2 million to help FIGHT HUNGER. Proceeds from Hunger Hike support the work of three local agencies – Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.& the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Hunger Hike is an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while being part of a meaningful community event.

Hunger Hike – Quick Links

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Hunger Hike

Hunger Hike 2020 – Begins THIS Sunday

Food Pantry, Giving, Hunger Hike, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LUM, Volunteer, , ,

Hunger Hike is one of the longest-running & most well-respected fundraising events, with a history stretching back nearly 30 years. Together, we’ve raised more than $2 million to help FIGHT HUNGER. Proceeds from Hunger Hike support the work of three local agencies – Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.& the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Hunger Hike is an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while being part of a meaningful community event.

Hunger Hike Events:

  • Challenge Week (THIS Sunday, September 13, to Sunday, September 20) is your opportunity pledge to Walk Far in the Fight Against Hunger – learn more
  • The Livestream is the premier event of Hunger Hike 2020 starting online at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 20 – learn more

Hunger Hike – Quick Links

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Hunger Hike

4 Ways You Can Help the LUM Emergency Shelter

Emergency Shelter, Giving, Homeless Shelter, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LUM, Volunteer, , ,

LUM Emergency Shelter Needs You!

Will you help us continue to serve those in our community who are experiencing homelessness? Your gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000 to the LUM Emergency Shelter will help LUM continue to provide help and hope to those experiencing homelessness during this global health crisis.

Four Ways YOU can help the LUM Emergency Shelter are as follows:

  • Make a Monetary DONATION, click HERE
  • Sign up to VOLUNTEER, click HERE
  • Donate Needed ITEMS, click HERE
  • Prepare a MEAL for LUM Shelter Guests, click HERE

Your financial generosity is not only an act of hospitality toward those with no home of their own, it is also an investment in the health and safety of the greater community. If you’re interested or need more information, click HERE — or email or call Briton Weise (bweise@lumserve.org | 765-423-2691).

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Emergency Shelter

Hot Needs – LUM Volunteer Opportunities – Meals Needed

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MEALS NEEDED – Emergency Shelter

Each night of the year, a simple meal is needed for the guests in the LUM Emergency Shelter. Open dates are as follows:

  • THIS TUESDAY, August 25
  • Monday, August 31
  • Tuesday, September 1 & Wednesday, September 2
  • Monday, September 7 Tuesday, September 8
  • Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12
  • Thursday, September 17
  • Monday, September 21
  • Tuesday, September 29

Prepare enough sandwiches or soup, stew or chili for 25 people. No side dishes or desserts are needed. Drinks are optional. To sign up & for more information, click the button below.

Prepare a Shelter MEAL
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4 Ways You Can Help the LUM Emergency Shelter

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LUM Emergency Shelter Needs You!

Four Ways YOU can help the LUM Emergency Shelter are as follows:

  • Make a Monetary DONATION, click HERE
  • Sign up to VOLUNTEER, click HERE
  • Donate Needed ITEMS, click HERE
  • Prepare a MEAL for LUM Shelter Guests, click HERE

Currently there are openings for Overnight Shelter Volunteers. Volunteers are needed 365 nights a year from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. or 8 p.m. to midnight. Duties include check-in, serve dinner, and distribute toiletries. Volunteers must be able to maintain confidentiality, interact with a variety of people, be at least 18 years old, and attend one Shelter Training Session.
If you’re interested or need more information, click HERE — or email or call Briton Weise (bweise@lumserve.org| 765-423-2691).

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Emergency Shelter

Hunger Hike Countdown – One Month to Kickoff

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Check Out the “NEW Challenge Week”

There are only 38 DAYS to Hunger Hike. Why not get started NOW?  Here’s what you need to know to begin raising money and “fighting hunger.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a year of great changes for Hunger Hike, and the event is going to be unique and more exciting than ever.

Hunger Hike 2020 will kick off on Sunday, September 13 starting a week-long challenge for “Hikers” and “Teams.” Individuals & groups can create online fundraising pages for themselves and their team and begin fundraising today. They will also be encouraged to create a “personal challenge” for the week or participate in a leaderboard challenge with other members of their fundraising team to see who can get the most steps — using a mobile app.

The centerpiece of the event will take place on Sunday, September 20 at 1:00 pm with the Hunger Hike livestream event, featuring local celebrities, speakers and entertainment to help celebrate and raise funds for Hunger Hike. The hike raises money to support the important work of Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.

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Hunger Hike

LUM Camp 2020! Re-imaged & Successful!

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The Best Week of the Year for 39 Campers

LUM Camp kicked off on Tuesday, July 28, for 39 local youth. LUM Camp is an overnight summer camp for children, aged 8, 9 and 10 years old, who come from families served by Lafayette Urban Ministry, which has happened every summer since the early 1960s. The fun, friendship and life-enhancing benefits were the same, but LUM Camp 2020 looked different due to COVID-19.

This year the theme was Join the Green Side. The week focused on interactive and experiential learning and was filled with traditional “camp” activities. There were also opportunities to teach the children how to be safe and stay healthy during the pandemic, especially in preparation for what they will deal with when they return to school later this month. There were fewer campers and more counselors. Campers practiced social distancing, wore face masks, interacted in small groups, had their temperature checked & washed their hands throughout the day, and had staggered meals and activities. As expected, the LUM Campers had a blast!

Through your donations, campership gifts, and volunteer time, you made it possible for our LUM Campers to have a life-changing experience that they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives. If you wish to make a donation to LUM Camp, go to lumserve.org/donate.

To view PHOTOS of LUM Camp 2020, click HERE.

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LUM Camp

LUM Protein Food Pantry Needs You

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Donations & Volunteers Needed Weekly

To offer a good variety of proteins and paper products, the LUM Protein Food Pantry relies on donations from individuals, churches, companies and groups. The LUM food pantry also needs volunteers each  hursday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to unload food, set up, check-in & assist families, and breakdown.

Five ways YOU can help the LUM Protein Food Pantry are as follows:

If you wish to sponsor a food drive or donate needed items, the list of items the food pantry needs is as follows:

  • Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, napkins & facial tissues
  • Peanut butter; Eggs
  • Canned meats (beef, chicken) & canned fish (tuna)
  • Beans, legumes & lentils – dry or canned
  • Fresh produce: fruits & vegetables
  • Baby diapers & wipes; Infant formula
  • Feminine Hygiene Products: liners, napkins, pads, tampons, wipes
  • Adult incontinence protection aids (unisex briefs)

If you wish to make a monetary donation, volunteer, donate needed items, register for Hunger Hike — or simply have questions or need further information, go to lumserve.org/food-pantry, call 765-423-2691 or email foodpantry@lumserve.org.

In Memoriam – Jillaine Shoop & Marge Fitzgerald

Board of Directors, Lafayette Urban Ministry, LUM, Member Churches, Volunteer, , , ,

LUM Lost Two Special Friends This Week

Jillaine Shoop

Jillaine A. Shoop of West Lafayette passed away July 13, at her home following a three-year long battle with cancer. She was a Twin Lakes High School graduate, earned her bachelors & Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Ball State University, and was a teacher, librarian, supervisor of student teachers, director of religious education, and lay minister.
At LUM, Jillaine was a dedicated volunteer, assisting where ever she was needed including as an bi-weekly afternoon receptionist and with Jubilee Christmas.

Jillaine is survived by her husband of 40 years, Orlo G. Shoop, her daughter Jenaiah, her son Wesley, her granddaughter Isabella, her brother Galen and her sister Pequita.

Marge Fitzgerald

Marjorie B. Fitzgerald of Lafayette passed away earlier this week. She attended St. Francis High School, St. Francis College, and worked for the Purdue Agricultural Department.
At LUM, Marge was a longtime volunteer. She served on the Board of Directors for eight years representing her parish, St. Mary’s Cathedral, was a Good Samaritan Program case manager and Jubilee Christmas volunteer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, and her son, Philip; and survived by her four children (Jeanne, Susan, Dennis & Nancy), 17 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.