When the Delta Lambda chapter of Tri Kappa formed in Greenwood, its members wanted a way to work together and help others in need.
Nearly a century later, that desire is still at the core of everything they do.
The Greenwood chapter of Tri Kappa is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, an opportunity to recognize the core values of the group and focus on ways to continue its mission in the future. Members work monthly to support such causes as the Salvation Army, Riley Cheer Guild and Meals on Wheels.
And just as they have done since forming in 1930, the organization continues to use its time and talents to make the community a better place.
“The main purpose is to serve the community, Greenwood and Johnson County. We help other organizations that are nonprofit in the area, and people who are in need in the community,” said Shirley Williams, a longtime member and former president of the group.
Tri Kappa is a philanthropic organization unique to Indiana. Each year the local chapters work with the state organization to contribute approximately $1.5 million to Indiana charities and students. Since 1901, Tri Kappa members have donated untold hours and millions of dollars to projects in the state of Indiana.
More than 140 chapters are active across Indiana, including Greenwood, Center Grove, Franklin and Edinburgh. In addition, 102 associated chapters — which support the main chapters — have been formed.
The main work of each chapter is to conduct special projects locally to support each of its three goals: charity, culture and education, Williams said.
The Delta Lambda chapter of Tri Kappa was chartered on Oct. 18, 1930. From the start, members focused on supporting a number of different community initiatives, including Riley Children’s Hospital, the Red Cross, the Greenwood Public Library, the Greenwood Welfare Association and Greenwood Campfire Girls.
With money raised through games, plays and musicals, as well as flower sales, they were able to contribute to those causes. Members also raised money for scholarships for students at Greenwood High School.
“They had their bridge tournaments, dances they put on, so they’d have money to give to whatever they could,” Williams said. “They helped people in dire need.”
In 1938, Greenwood’s Tri Kappa chapter donated $250 for a new drinking fountain in the old city park. Unskilled labor was provided by the National Youth Administration, initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt and supervised by a local brick mason.
Over the years, the organization has met in individual members’ homes, the Greenwood Public Library and the William Polk Community House. Currently, members gather monthly at Greenwood United Methodist Church.
In a normal year, Tri Kappa would host fundraising events such as Mother’s Day Purse BINGO, a signature nut sale, Le Braids bake sale and a rummage sale, as well as taking donations. The COVID pandemic made those events impossible to hold safely, so the organization has focused on other forms of giving to help the needy.
They deliver food twice each month for Meals on Wheels, drop off food and supplies to the Salvation Army in Greenwood and have donated money to the Riley Cheer Guild. Contributions have also gone to Greenwood schools and the library system.
The chapter has sent funds to the state treasury to support mental health projects, donated to state’s memorial and philanthropy funds, backed cultural projects statewide and a number of other contributions. Members plan to contribute to Operation Bundle Up this year, as well as supporting a family for the holidays.
“BINGO is our main fundraiser, but we couldn’t have it this year, so we’re kind of scrambling to get enough money to support everything,” Williams said. “But we’ve been able to still help.”
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Tri Kappa, Delta Lambda chapter
What: A nonprofit organization bringing women into a close, unselfish relationship for the community, promoting charity, culture and education.
Where: Greenwood
Founded: Oct. 18, 1930
How to join: Contact the chapter at [email protected]
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