In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes, LUM executive director, reflects on "generosity" and how it is good for you. Please take 63 seconds to watch the video. Feel free to SHARE.

Jos Holman, representative from the Greater Lafayette Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo, delivered free backpacks and school supplies to all of the students enrolled in the LUM After School Program.

Each year the members of the Greater Lafayette Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo make sure that each child in our community goes back to school with the supplies they need to succeed. They distributed school supplies at their 14th annual Back to School Curbside CARnival earlier this month at Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette campus. {Pictured with two LUM students are Jos Holman & Wes Tillett, LUM executive director.}

LUM is grateful to Jos Holman and all of the members of Greater Lafayette Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo for their support of the LUM students.

Two local individuals, who both wish to remain anonymous, recently "Paid It Sideways" to Lafayette Urban Ministry. One individual donated his entire $1,200 Economic Impact Payment (AKA stimulus funds) and and a second individual donated her entire $6,000 retirement package. Both individuals chose to remain anonymous but shared that they did not need the money and wanted it to benefit the community. They knew that they could trust LUM to use it to support local families in need.

A local family recently donated a trailer full of toys, dolls, books, and stuff animals to the LUM Jubilee Christmas program. The gift was from the family of the late Jerry & Lee Mallory. Some of you may know Jerry & Lee Mallory, who were members of Bethany Presbyterian Church. Each Christmas, they would transform themselves into Santa & Mrs. Claus and for many years they visited many different events, including Jubilee Christmas at Bethany, giving toys to local children. The family members are thrilled that Jerry & Lee Mallory's joy of Christmas will live on through this year's Jubilee Christmas. LUM is grateful for Jerry & Lee Mallory's years of service to the children of our community and to their family for this generous gift.

In 2019, 30 churches at 26 events provided new toys, books, food, and clothing, to parents from 639 local households impacting 1,828 local children. This year's Jubilee Christmas is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, and there have already been discussions about how to re-invent the event to keep parents, volunteers and staff safe, while continuing to support local families in make Christmas happen for their children. More information will be available by the end of September. If you wish to get engaged or invest in Jubilee Christmas 2020, please email jubilee@lumserve.org or go to lumserve.org/jubilee.

The LUM Emergency Shelter has recently been awarded a $17,500 grant from the City of West Lafayette through the Community Development Block Grant program made possible by the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security). This money will cover the unique costs incurred by the LUM Emergency Shelter as a result of COVID-19.

This award will ensure that the LUM Emergency Shelter may continue to operate during this crisis and provide support to those trying to avoid or transition out of homelessness every night of the year — while complying with and exceeding the recommended COVID-19 health & safety protocols. LUM is grateful for the continued support and partnership with the City of West Lafayette.