Mary Gilmore, Staff Writer
At SUNY Oneonta, student organizations often become more than extracurriculars, they become pockets of community, creativity, and purpose. Few clubs embody that as much as Hippies for Hope, a chapter of the grassroots nonprofit dedicated to brightening the lives of children in pediatric units both locally and abroad. Through tie-dye, service projects, and collaborative events, the club channels joy into action, one colorful shirt at a time.
Ellie Vogl, president of SUNY Oneonta’s branch of Hippies for Hope explains, “Hippies for Hope is a grassroots, nonprofit organization working to spread positive energy to children locally and abroad.” The club’s mission is simple but powerful, including raising funds and creating handmade items that bring comfort to children in medical centers. Their signature tie-dye fundraisers allow students to create their own shirts while supporting the club’s pledge, “For each tie-dyed shirt sold, we pledge to donate another to a child in a sponsored medical center.” Those shirts, Ellie says, “spread smiles through pediatric units.”
Hippies for Hope isn’t just about fundraising, it’s about community. Ellie shared that the club regularly hosts events that bring students together in meaningful ways. “We hold fundraising events where people can tie-dye t-shirts, purchase baked goods, and more to raise funds for children in local hospitals. We also incorporate community-building events such as club collabs, de-stressing events, volunteer opportunities, and more!”
Last semester, the club extended its impact beyond pediatric units by supporting local animals in need. “We made dog blankets and donated them to a local animal shelter, Superheroes Humane Society, where we also volunteered by socializing with the cats!” For Ellie, a pre-vet student, these moments were especially meaningful.
Ellie’s journey into Hippies for Hope began with a desire to connect. “I joined Hippies for Hope because I was a new transfer student on campus looking to become more involved in campus organizations,” she said. After befriending the club’s former president, another pre-vet student, she was encouraged to take on a leadership role. “She encouraged me to join and run for e-board when the time came!”
Her involvement quickly became more than a résumé line. Ellie describes the club as a grounding force in her busy academic life. “I enjoy the club because it allows me to get to know new people outside my major while incorporating service into my daily routine. It’s also a great way for me to de-stress after a crazy week.”
Her passion for the club’s mission is deeply personal. “When I was younger, I spent a while in the hospital and Ronald McDonald House. I remember receiving gifts that people had donated, and they always perked up my days. This club is a way for me to give back to children in a similar situation I was in.”
The club also hosts seasonal and themed activities that keep students engaged. “A few other events we’ve done that I really enjoyed include our pumpkin painting event around Halloween, a slime making event, and our recent paint and sip.”
The semester ahead is packed with even more opportunities. “We have an upcoming potting flowers event on April 7th and we’ll be holding another tie-dye fundraiser on April 28th. Our final event of the semester will be May 5th in which we will have our senior sendoff, e-board elections, and relieve some election stress with a variety of de-stress activities.”
The club meets every other Tuesday from 7:30–8:30 PM, with updates posted on Instagram and GroupMe. With Ellie graduating, the organization will soon welcome a new president and adjust meeting times to fit the next e-board’s schedules. But the heart of Hippies for Hope, service, creativity, and community, remains steady for years to come.
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