A new apparel brand gives students an opportunity to keep their heads warm to survive Illinois’ harsh winter. Love Your Melon has begun its fourth year of success with providing soft and warm hats nationwide while also donating to children with cancer. The organization continues to sell out online due to its popularity throughout the U.S. If you don’t already own a Love Your Melon beanie, then here’s why it will save you from the cold.
- The idea was founded by college students
The Love Your Melon organization started in Oct. 2012 by Zachary Quinn and Brian Keller in an entrepreneurship class at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their mission was simple: provide a hat for children battling cancer. During the first weekend of the promotion, the hats were completely sold out. In December 2012, the organization created their first hospital donation event. Now, in 2016, the organization has completed several nationwide tours. More than 7,000 college students at more than 450 schools who signed up to be ambassadors to sell and donate hats.
- They’re one of the most successful cancer organizations in the United States
In just one program, Love Your Melon reserved more than 45,000 hats to donate to children with cancer. Student ambassadors showed up in person and gave hats to every child cancer patients being treated at several hospitals. Now, the campaign has launched a new program where 50 percent of the money for every hat that is sold will be donated to Pinky Swear Foundation and CureSearch. They also have the option where you can request a hat if you know a child who is battling cancer and hasn’t yet received a hat. These hats have become so popular that they continue to be sold out until they receive a new shipment.
- They’re made in America
That’s right. All the Love Your Melon products are made by Minnesota Knitting Mills in St. Paul, Minnesota. Each hat is made with love from the soft material that can keep a child’s bare head warm. Also, the leather logo stamps created by Gotham Textile in Minneapolis, a leading manufacturer of many leathered goods like purses and belts.
- They’re cute as hell
Winter is brutal in Illinois, so why not have a warm hat that is also trendy? Love Your Melon designs a variety hats for men, women and children with many different colors to choose from. They are made in the original beanie style or in a cuffed beanie. So, while you look good as you step out into the snow, you can also feel good knowing you bought a product for a good cause. Each hat cost $30, but remember that half of it goes towards cancer research.
