Service

Texas Iron Spikes take great pride in being one of the premier service organizations on campus. Our dedication to service is what sets us apart from other spirit and fraternal organizations. Individual members take pride in not simply the quantity of community service, but particularly the quality. Each member is expected to complete a minimum amount of hours per semester, but most do substantially more than their requirement. Members take their responsibility to the University and Austin community seriously. Iron Spikes are proud to be Longhorns and we show this through our commitment to serving the community.

The following just a few of the events that Spikes will participate in this semester:

On Campus

Spring Classic Softball Tournament. Since 2001, the Texas Iron Spikes has hosted the Spring Classic Softball tournament. The tournament benefits the Dell Children's Hospital of Central Texas, and has been the staple of service for the Iron Spike organization. At the Kreig Field Complex, University, Co-ed, and teams from the Austin area compete in seperate divisions for the championship. Despite April showers, the Iron Spikes have had successful tournaments and the event's popularity has increased year by year. For more information about the Spring Classic, please visit www.springclassicsoftball.com.

Project 200? And Project Reachout. Iron Spikes participate in all events put on by the University Volunteer Center. These large projects in particular are always an important part of our service commitment. Every spring, Spikes can be found painting, cleaning, and building in an effort to help give others what most of us are already so fortunate to have.

In the Community

Parmer Woods Assisted Living. Iron Spikes has adopted the Parmer Woods facility in North Austin, and members have found it to be a very rewarding experience. Each week, Iron Spikes travel to Parmer Woods to spend some time with the elderly residents there. Whether the time is spent playing games with the residents or just getting to know them a little better, it is an opportunity for people separated by generations to find common ground.

Neighborhood Longhorns. Each week, over 30 Iron Spikes travel to varying elementary schools across the city to mentor young children. Time is spent helping with homework, listening, and playing outside. Neighborhood Longhorns has recognized Iron Spikes in the past as being one of the most important organizations involved, and we plan to continue this great tradition.

Highway Cleanup. The Iron Spikes have adopted a stretch of highway on Bee Caves Rd. in an effort to help keep Texas highways free of litter. Numerous times each semester, members pick up trash bags and put on gloves and do the thankless job of picking up what others have left behind.

Motorola Marathon. Beginning a new tradition this spring, Iron Spikes volunteered for this large-scale annual Austin event. Coordinating with Motorola and the Capital Area United Way, Iron Spikes helped promote the marathon, set up for it, and work in a variety of ways to help the event run smoothly.