The Cary (NC) Alumni Chapter: Truly had a December to remember
The brothers of Cary (NC) Alumni kicked off the holiday season with their 4th annual "Shop with A Kappa (SWAK)" event on December 18th. In its largest SWAK to date, the brothers of Cary were able to take 55 area youths shopping for Christmas. The only stipulation for the kids is that they are encouraged also give back and purchase at least one gift for a friend or family member. Through Cary's established partnership with Walmart, the management team provided snacks and refreshments, pictures with Santa, and gave each child a Walmart gift card for future purchases. They also held an Adopt A Highway clean-up for their recently appointed stretch of highway. The chapter wrapped up the holiday season in style hosting a Holiday dinner to celebrate their Silhouettes and Fall 2021 Neo's. Tis the season!
The Wake Forest Rolesville(NC) Alumni Chapter : Adopt A Family Program
The holiday season brings joy to countless people around the world. It is also a time of sadness and anxiety for those who do not have the means to provide food or gifts for their families. The Wake Forest Rolesville Alumni Chapter recognizes the vital need to help those who are less fortunate and budget funds each year for local families in need. This year they adopted three well deserving families from the Wake Forest, NC community. Each family received clothing, toys, fully stuffed Christmas stockings, and food items. They hope these acts of kindness brings joy to each of these families.
Goldsboro (NC) Alumni Chapter: Service and the holiday spirit
The Goldsboro (NC) Alumni Chapter collaborated with the Lincoln Homes Community Center to help serve the Goldsboro community. The chapter donated food to a couple of families. Truly inspiring service in the public’s interest during the holidays. In addition, the chapter hosted an ugly Christmas dinner with their silhouettes. Great fellowship among the families and the brotherhood.
Greensboro (NC) Alumni Chapter: Annual Christmas Food Distribution
During COVID-19, the Greensboro (NC) Alumni chapter continued to give back to their community through their Annual Christmas Food Distribution at Morehead-Simkins Independent Living Center. Meals were catered and then delivered to the residents.
Greenville (NC) Alumni Chapter and the Eta Psi Chapter: Inspiring service in the public interest
Brothers of The Greenville (NC) Alumni and the Eta Psi chapters hosted a shopping event that supported the Maynard Children’s Hospital. Each brother was responsible for exhausting their budget of $120 on toys for kids that may be sick or injured during this holiday season. The brothers had a great time searching for specific items on various wish lists, forming debates on what items kids were into nowadays and whether or not they thought they hit their shopping budget by eyeballing their carts.
The chapter donated $2,000 in toys to the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital.
The donation was the product of the chapter’s annual toy drive, a component of its Guide Right community outreach program, according to lifetime member Kennis E. Wilkins and Polemarch Akeem Thomas,
“The COVID pandemic has hampered many activities this season, however, our organization wanted to support the critically-ill children and their families during these hard times,” Wilkins said.
Eight brothers visited the hospital to present the gifts to the staff. The donation is among several community outreach programs to support the Guide Right initiative, which is supported by an annual golf tournament.
“It is our humble hope and desire that this gesture of support and love will uplift the spirits of the children and their families during this season,” Thomas said. “Serving others is one of the greatest opportunities to bless people, especially children who do not have the capacity to experience memories of socialization and optimal health.”
The hospital said donations are used as gifts during the holidays for children who are here in the hospital. Gifts not distributed during the holidays are stored and given to patients throughout the year for birthdays, end of chemotherapy parties or just to brighten a child’s day, the hospital said.
“During this season, it is imperative that we give talents, resources and time to those who are less fortunate,” Wilkins said. “Our combined effort with this activity allows us to experience the feeling of this being, ‘the most wonderful time of the year.”
Charlotte (NC) Alumni Chapter: Leading by example
This holiday the Charlotte (NC) alumni chapter led by example. The chapter along with members of their Guide Right program volunteered assisting the Salvation Army. The rang bells, collected money and even dressed up as Santa. We all know how important representation is and it doesn't stop during the holidays. That is why the chapter host a Christmas event every year! We make sure that our children can see themselves and their families represented in one of the most iconic cultural figures of all time, Santa Claus. It was a great event full of holiday cheer and joy.
Raleigh (NC) Alumni Chapter: The holiday traditions continue
The Raleigh (NC) Alumni Chapter and their Kappa Charitable Trust continued their holiday tradition of recent years. The brothers of the chapter and their families played host to the local community during a Black Santa event at the Kappa Center. Local families were given an opportunity to visit with Black Santa and receive a free photo with him. In addition, kids were provided wrapped gifts. Hot chocolate and holiday cookies added to the festive atmosphere. Spouses and children of the brothers assisted with the events and wrapped the gifts that were provided. The good Ole Kappa spirit was on display as the brothers continued their holiday tradition by visiting Senior Kappas and widowed silhouettes during the holiday. Poinsettias were delivered to the silhouettes. As with past years they participated in the WRAL Coats for the Children. Although there were no opportunities to volunteer at the actual phone bank, they were able to present a check. In addition, the chapter also volunteered at the Helping Hands Mission by sorting gifts, packing food, provided monetary support. To wrap up the holiday season they will soon host their Brother’s Kloset event to help address some of the needs of the homeless population in the Raleigh area.