Walking past Sparty's Convenience Store on Hubbard Hall's first floor, it's hard to see the merchandise. Hundreds of shamrocks block the view.
The annual St. Patrick's Day campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, began early this month and runs through March 21. Shamrocks bearing the donor's name can be purchased for $1 or $5.
"I thought it would be good because I like to see my name up on the window," criminal justice sophomore Victoria Madgy said. Madgy also is a cashier at the Hubbard Hall store. She said more than 450 shamrocks have been sold at her location.
Ken Deneau, manager of Sparty's for the MSU Division of Housing and Food Services, said Sparty's has been working with the association for about 10 years.
"(The association) has always been partnered with the convenience-store industry. It seemed like a natural fit for us," he said. "It was already a recognizable campaign, so we decided we would jump on the bandwagon."
Deneau said the campaign has raised about $3,200 to date, adding that Sparty's limits itself to one charitable campaign per year. Over the last 10 years, Sparty's has raised more than $20,000 for Shamrocks Against Dystrophy.
Public administration and public policy freshman DeAndre Wright bought a couple of shamrocks. He said he's eager to participate in charitable campaigns.
"Instead of giving my time, I gave money," he said. "It's always good when we can help other people."
Wright said he also organized a charity blood drive as a member of the Akers Hall government.
Association District Director Kelly McClellan said the campaign is among the biggest the association conducts during the year. Other major efforts include the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, lock-ups where participants call friends to raise bail and elementary school hop-a-thons.
McClellan said her district covers nine counties and, on average, makes about $50,000 per year through the campaign.
The association is a voluntary health agency that works to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through research, comprehensive services and worldwide education, she said in a written statement.
