Shopping with a Kappa (SWAK)

A Community Partnership With Walmart Superstores

Shopping With A Kappa is a signature community-service initiative of The Chicago Heights (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The program provides local children with a memorable holiday shopping experience while surrounding them with mentorship, encouragement and positive role models.

Our Beginning

The program was brought to the Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter through the inspiration of Brother Jeff Thomas following his visit to Las Vegas. During that visit, Brother Thomas learned about the Shopping With A Kappa program created by the Las Vegas (NV) Alumni Chapter in 2012.

Since its founding, the Las Vegas initiative has grown annually and inspired chapters throughout Kappa Alpha Psi’s Western Province to contribute more than $1 million toward serving children and families in their communities.

Our Local Impact

The Chicago Heights Alumni Chapter launched its Shopping With A Kappa program in 2018, initially serving 28 children. Today, the program serves more than 100 children annually.

Over the course of seven years, the Chapter—along with its sponsors, donors and community partners—has raised nearly $100,000 to support children and families throughout Chicago Heights and the surrounding communities.

Each participating child receives the opportunity to shop for clothing, toys and other essential items while being accompanied by members of Kappa Alpha Psi and community volunteers.

Our Walmart Partnership

Our partnership with Walmart Superstores has helped Shopping With A Kappa grow into an organized, welcoming and meaningful holiday experience. Walmart provides an ideal environment for participating children and their families to find the items they need while enjoying a day filled with support, fellowship and holiday joy.

More Than a Shopping Trip

Shopping With A Kappa is about more than purchasing gifts. It is about showing children that their community cares about them. It is also an opportunity to introduce young people to positive mentors who encourage them to dream bigger, pursue achievement and understand their value.

Through the continued support of Walmart, local businesses, community organizations and individual donors, The Chicago Heights (IL) Alumni Chapter looks forward to serving even more children and continuing this important legacy for generations to come.

Become a Community Partner

Join us in making the holiday season brighter for children throughout our community. Your contribution helps us provide meaningful shopping experiences, mentorship and lasting memories for deserving young people and their families.

Together, we can make a difference—one child and one family at a time.