This year’s Tower Guard class took the opportunity to spread holiday cheer at Sparrow Hospital through hosting a donation drive for the pediatric patients who would be spending their holidays at the hospital. Madison Paulus, Tower Guard CSD Liaison and organizer of this event, remarked that, “because of COVID and all of the unfortunate things it brings, we thought it would be a great idea to spread some joy! Around a week before Thanksgiving break, we asked for donations of any kind to help us raise money for gifts and toys for the children. With the help of Renee Harrington (Tower Guard Social Chair) and her PR team, we put together an amazing ad for the cause and sent it out!”
The group raised a little over $300 for the children at Sparrow Hospital, with some of the funds coming from Tower Guard alumni donations. This enabled Tower Guard members to buy and wrap gifts and to make Christmas cards for the kids. In total, the group wrapped 58 gifts that consisted of two or more toys, which included, but were not limited to, dinosaurs, silly putty, tic-tac-toe, sippy cups, and stuffed animals. 25 Target gift cards were also purchased for the parents of the patients to purchase additional gifts.
Once the gifts were wrapped and the holiday cards were created, the group was ready to send them off! On December 9th, Renee and Madison handed off the gifts to Sparrow Hospital representatives, who were excited to give them to the kids! Renee reflected on this experience by saying, “The holiday season can be challenging, as a club that serves its community, we sought the opportunity to raise money and purchase gifts for children spending their holiday at Sparrow Hospital. Tower Guard was SO excited to participate in such a giving event, nothing says holiday joy like giving back! Madison and I were able to deliver the gifts a week before Christmas, though we weren't allowed in the hospital, it warmed both our hearts that we got to help bring smiles to these kids' faces! Madison and I were able to exchange contact with the hospital to stay in touch about future events our organization could help with! Building a community between Michigan State and local opportunities has been so awesome and we look forward to hearing about more!!”
