Purdue Calumet Hosts “Hug Challenge”

Thursday, Feb. 11^th, the Student Lounge at PUC was filled with student groups bringing in the stuffed animals they collected for the United Way Regional Volunteer Center’s I Need a Hug program.

Three counting stations tallied up the numbers as Rick Riddering, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, (with mic in hand), led the crowd in the countdown. At the end of the Noon hour with all the students gathered around the stage, our final count was announced—761 total stuffed animals were collected!! Next our winners were announced and each group received a beautiful plaque. See pictures below. Thanks to Hammond VanTil’s Almira’s Bakery for donating 2 huge sheet cakes for our celebration and the Valparaiso Home Depot for donating 10 new, large collection boxes.

If your company, church, or group would like to host a I Need a Hug drive please contact your local United Way office.

Lake Area: (219) 923-2302 ext.311

Porter County: (219) 464-3583

LaPorte County: (219) 362-6256