by Molly Ligon

Written By: Lucas Manion and Georgia Curtis

Purchasing an item from the THON™ Store is a great way to show your year-long support for THON™ and its efforts. In fact, 100% of the profits made from the store are donated to THON. The store offers items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, accessories, and more. Shannon Long, the THON Merchandise Captain for Customer Relations, provides some insight on the store’s history and success. 

When did the store open and how did it get started?  

“The THON store was started in 2004 by the Marketing Committee. In 2008, the Merchandise Committee officially became a separate committee. Then, in 2016, the THON store was created as a retail space in the HUB. In 2019, the online THON store was launched, and in 2020 we launched POST. Since then, our store has continued to improve and grow, both online and in person.” 

What is your favorite item from the THON Store?  

“My current favorite item from the THON Store is our new Heart Hoodie. It is a part of our fall release. It was created by our amazing Product Design Captains, Maura Bier and Anna Souren. I have seen it worn by students all over campus!” 

What makes the THON Store so special and important to the overall mission of THON? 

“One of the best things about the THON Store is that it helps to spread the overall message of THON. It contributes pieces of merchandise that can be used and worn to continue to advertise our cause. Students and families wearing our merchandise are actively displaying the name of our cause for others to see.” 

Why do you THON?  

“I became involved in THON starting in high school. When I was in elementary school, one of my friends was diagnosed with cancer. Seeing how elementary school students were able to come together for such an amazing cause, our friend, made me want to be involved in THON as soon as possible. I joined Mini-THON in high school, became a Merchandise Committee Member my freshman year at Penn State, and became the Merchandising Customer Relations Captain this year. Although my friend is now in remission, I continue to THON for the families that still need our help every day.” 

Is there a particular part of THON weekend that you consider your favorite part of the weekend? 

“My favorite part of THON weekend is final 4. Last year was my first THON, and I never knew how breathtaking this part of THON weekend was until I experienced it myself. It creates a wave of emotions that you cannot experience anywhere else. In those 4 hours, we see why we do what we do.” 

If you would like to support the THON Store, you can shop online at  https://store.thon.org/, or you can visit in person Monday through Friday at their location in the HUB.