For over 120 years, women in Tri Kappa chapters across the great State of Indiana have celebrated Tri Kappa Week annually during the week of the sorority’s founding on February 22 as a way to make the community more aware of Tri Kappa’s efforts as a philanthropic organization.  With nearly 8,000 members, Tri Kappa exists only within the boundaries of Indiana, giving approximately $1.5 million annually on both local and state levels to important projects supporting charity, culture, and education.  Locally, The Beta Tau Chapter awards a $500.00 scholarship annually to a graduating senior at each of the 3 area high schools and supports many other worthwhile causes and organizations through funds made available by our Beer on the Bricks event held in September and through the sale of Terri Lynn nut in the fall.

In celebration of Tri Kappa Week 2024, the Salem Beta Tau Chapter will be hosting a Drive Thru Donation Day on Saturday, February 17, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Washington County Family YMCA parking lot.

Those wishing to donate will simply proceed to the designated drop area at the back of the parking lot where Tri Kappa members will be on hand and ready to take your donation items from you as you drive by, so there’s no need for you to exit your vehicle….it’s that simple!

Donors should proceed to the designated area and make donations of most needed items to any of the following:

• Washington County Food Bank – Canned soup always hits the spot in the winter months, but any non-perishable food items are welcome!
• Washington County Humane Society - bleach, Pinesol, laundry detergent, paper towels, cat litter, cat toys, dry dog food, and new or gently used bath towels.  Monetary donations are also gladly accepted!
• Domestic Violence Center - personal care and household items.  The Center is always in need of hygiene items of all nature as the door is ever revolving with families of all ages.  Household items are also needed since the Center is a fully functioning residence.
• Choices Life Resource Center – formula, baby shampoo, soap, lotion, diaper rash ointment, sippy cups, baby wipes, size 6 diapers, and all sizes of pull-ups.  Choices is a non-profit pregnancy and parenting center offering parents the opportunity to learn positive parenting skills while earning Baby Bucks to “purchase” these much needed items for their children.
• American Senior Communities (Salem Crossing and Meadow View Health & Rehab Center) - individually wrapped snacks, adult crafting kits, word search and coloring books, crayons and coloring pencils.  Residents love their snacks and activity books!
• Salem Lions Club - used eyeglasses and hearing aids.  The Salem Lions Club collects used eyeglasses and hearing aids where they are taken to a center for cleaning and repair and then distributed world wide to those in need.
• WSLM’s Say Yes to the Dress Event - gently worn prom dresses.  Tri Kappa member Becky White will be collecting gently used prom dresses for her annual event for girls to find that perfect dress…for free!  Now is the time to get rid of those formals hanging in the closet taking up valuable space!
• Washington County Family YMCA – small travel hygiene and toiletry products or new bath towels (no used, please) for their shower ministry.  They also welcome financial donations for the YMCA's annual campaign making Y programs such as Pre-K, sports, day camp, and facility membership possible for all families.
• Washington County Warming Station – Got a backpack lying around?  How about that tent you bought 5 years ago only to use one time?  Backpacks and tents are the current high demand items needed by the Warming Station.  Monetary donations are always acceptable, too!
• Riley Children’s Hospital – The Riley toy room gifts over 8,000 toys, blankets, games, and books EVERY MONTH!  Infant rattles, Legos, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, art supplies, coloring books, and ear buds are wish list items, but pediatric patients ranging from toddlers to teens enjoy a good UNO card game!  Only new, unused items, please!

With your help, this Drive Thru Donation Day is our way of giving back to the community that we all love.  Every donation will help someone in need.

The drive thru event will be held despite any cold weather; however, in the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to a later date.