For the next four months, Omega Phi Alpha and Alpha Gamma Rho are teaming up with national organizations Headbands of Hope and Headwear of Hope to raise money for THON and spread awareness about childhood cancer.

Headbands of Hope and its partner organization, Headwear of Hope, were launched in April 2012 in the interest of raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer. The organization sells headbands and headwear, donating $1 from each headband to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund pediatric cancer research. Additionally, for each headband sold, one is given to a girl in a hospital fighting pediatric cancer, and for each headwear item sold, one is given to a boy in a hospital fighting pediatric cancer.

After meeting Jessica Ekstrom, the CEO of both Headbands of Hope and Headwear of Hope over the summer, Omega Phi Alpha member Allie Leidy approached the CEO with the idea of doing a fundraiser for THON.

“Being involved with Headbands of Hope and Headwear of Hope in the past, I knew the two philanthropies would make the perfect match,” said Leidy. “After meeting Jessica this summer, I approached her about the idea of donating to the Penn State Dance Marathon and she was more than willing to help.”

Ekstrom immediately jumped on board with the idea. “The passion the students at Penn State have to help kids with cancer and their families is unmatchable.” she said. “I’m thrilled to bring headbands of hope to THON and help spread more smiles to kids’ faces!”

From now until February 7, for every headband or headwear item sold when customers use the promo code “PSUhope” a $1 donation will be made to THON. Customers using this promo code will also receive free shipping on their order and headbands will be shipped directly to their address.

In addition, for every headband or headwear item purchased, one will be donated to THON for free to be distributed among Four Diamonds families.

Headbands and headwear can be purchased online at www.headbandsofhope.org and www.headwearofhope.org.

For more information on this event, anyone interested can refer to the Facebook event or contact Allie Leidy at [email protected].