Spartan students from organizations across campus work to spread holiday cheer and encourage acceptance of difference. Tower Guard is one of these exemplary groups of students that work hard to serve and include others.
Tower Guard is a sophomore honorary service organization that volunteers with and raises money for Michigan State’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD, to assist in making textbooks accessible, scribing exams, holding one-on-one tutoring, participating in adaptive sports and other service initiatives on campus.
Ultimately, the mission of this organization is to create a more inclusive community at MSU and ensure that all students are provided with an equal opportunity to excel both academically and beyond classroom settings.
Last year’s Tower Guard group raised $21,346 for the RCPD through events such as the annual Shamrock 5K, which is set to take place March 14 this year.
Sparrow service project
As a service-based organization, Tower Guard participates in events that benefit community members beyond those who are registered with RCPD.
A new Tower Guard tradition was kickstarted last year to raise money to purchase presents for pediatric patients in Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital. Through the efforts of the members, their families and friends, the organization raised a total of $1,715 from donations alone. This money went towards purchasing 47 presents for pediatric patients ranging from infants to teenagers, each receiving several gifts, activities and a $10 Meijer gift card.
Meijer gift cards worth $75 were handed out to families in need over the holiday season, and another $75 gift card was donated directly to Sparrow’s Child Life Department for miscellaneous purchases needed throughout the year for patient education and care.
Tower Guard president Mackenzie Desloover said the work ethic and dedication to service within the organization continues to amaze her.
“I am honored to volunteer alongside what I believe are some of the most incredible people, not just on campus, but in this world,” said Desloover. “I am so proud of Tower Guard’s impact on the community and eager to see all that we are able to accomplish this spring semester.”
To read about Mackenzie's experience with medical culture in the Dominican Republic, click here.