More than 15,000 people in Gary live with a disability, a population that often relies on community-based services for daily support and opportunities. Statewide, nearly 1 in 4 Indiana adults has a disability, and nationally, that figure surpasses 61 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, federal disability support programs have come under scrutiny in recent years as proposed budgets under the current presidential administration have called for cuts to programs such as Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance, raising concerns among advocates about the stability of essential services.
In the face of this uncertainty, local businesses and nonprofits are stepping in to help fill the gap. One such effort is the return of the “Checkout Challenge,” a weeklong fundraising campaign by Strack & Van Til grocery stores in support of Opportunity Enterprises (OE), a Valparaiso-based nonprofit that provides disability services across Northwest Indiana. From May 5 to May 11, customers at Strack & Van Til stores in Portage, Chesterton and both Valparaiso locations will be asked if they’d like to round up their total purchases to benefit OE.
Funds raised during the campaign will support OE’s mission to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities. The organization, which has been serving the community for nearly 60 years, employs approximately 400 staff and serves more than 1,000 individuals annually.
Alison Martin, senior director of development and marketing at OE, said the Checkout Challenge provides a simple but effective way for everyday shoppers to make a meaningful impact.
“People sometimes wonder if rounding up their totals actually makes much of a difference, and it truly does,” Martin said. “Strack & Van Til customers have always been very generous, and we’re so grateful for their support.”
Last year, customer donations through the Checkout Challenge totaled nearly $11,000 for OE, helping the organization expand services and continue providing essential resources for people with disabilities. Martin noted that Strack & Van Til has been a long-standing partner in supporting OE’s work, helping to raise both funds and awareness.
The Checkout Challenge is part of Strack & Van Til’s broader commitment to local charities, offering customers throughout the year an opportunity to support nonprofit organizations with every trip to the checkout counter.
Opportunity Enterprises encourages residents across Northwest Indiana—including those in Gary, where the need for disability services remains high—to participate in the campaign and help create a more inclusive region.
For more information about Opportunity Enterprises, visit oppent.org.