Kathryn Harding, a junior majoring in political science, helped organize this event through ASMSU as the vice president for internal administration. 

"I think it's really important to offer space for students and community members alike," Harding said. "I think it's important to offer them space to heal and meet together and show kindness to one another on the two-year anniversary of the tragedy that happened.” 

Harding said it's "been really rewarding to be able to help and give back in this way," and that the event has been "well-received by students."

ASMSU President Connor Le explained the purpose of this event.

"I think events like this really help the community because it allows students to come together as Spartans and process how they might be feeling as well as take care of themselves," Le said. 

Kim Breukin was one of the event volunteers. Breukin works in an organization that provides grief support services for children, teens and young adults. She also had two daughters attending MSU at the time of the shooting, so she saw the impact of it on them, she said.

"I know how tragedies like this can impact people in various ways and how important it is to get helpful support," Breukin said. "So given the opportunity to become involved and hopefully be that helpful support, I like to try and take that opportunity."

Many MSU students participated in Caring Through Service, as classes were canceled on Feb. 13 for the two-year anniversary.

Journalism senior Eliza Handley and graduate student Islay Hepburn came together to the event. 

Hepburn was an undergrad during the shooting and came to the Caring Through Service event last year as well. 

"There's a lot more going on this year which is cool to see," Hepburn said. 

Being at the event "definitely feels like a supportive community," Handley said. 

"Sometimes it's hard to know what you’re going to do on a day like today, and I think this is a really good place to be with other people who are going through the same thing as you," Handley said. 

Many attendants weren’t students themselves, but were still connected to the tragedy. 

High school student Teague Freidhof spent his time at the bracelet making station.

"I have an older brother that goes here and he knew one of the individuals who was hurt," Teague said. "I’ve grown up here in East Lansing all my life, so this event felt like a way to give back to the community that's given me so much."

While MSU students are forced to reckon with the tragedy each year, many feel that it shouldn’t be ignored, and events like these are critical in remembering those who were affected, fostering healing and advocating for change to prevent future tragedies.

"It brings us together," said Kayla Christian, a junior in kinesiology. "I think it acknowledges what happened and helps everyone heal."