UCLA Store to release Operation Hat Trick collection in support of United States service members, veterans
UCLA x Operation Hat Trick branded apparel will be released at the UCLA Store on Nov. 2; a portion of the sales will be donated to select organizations that fulfill the OHT mission.
Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 2, 2022 – In honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and those who continue to serve, the UCLA Store is once again releasing a UCLA x Operation Hat Trick (OHT) collection Nov. 2 to raise funds for wounded service members and veterans in time for Veterans Day.
The OHT mission is to generate awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans through the sale of OHT branded merchandise. Associated Students UCLA, through its licensing and retail operations, has been a proud advocate of the OHT initiative since 2012 with UCLA x OHT branded merchandise. OHT will donate a portion of the sales to select organizations that fulfill the OHT mission, including the UCLA Veteran Resource Center (VRC).
“UCLA’s VRC is appreciative of OHT support to the UCLA Veteran community,” said Emily Ives, director of the UCLA VRC. “Their grant supports our center programming for our So Cal student Veterans in three main areas: healing within the area of art and art appreciation, improving basic skills in food preparation, and finally building community amongst the veteran community by attending programs that support their health and wellness. Highlights from the 2022 year are available to view at veterans.ucla.edu/events/annual-events. With the support of future funds from donors like OHT, we can provide supportive programs to Veterans for years to come!”
The 2022 OHT unisex apparel is detailed with American flag pride and camouflage patters against solid colors of green, black, gray and Bruin blue, and will be available for purchase at the UCLA Store in-person or online at uclastore.com. The OHT merchandise line includes hats, a blanket, string bag and tumbler, all to be released with the apparel beginning Nov. 2.
While supplies last, the UCLA x OHT line will also be available for purchase at the UCLA versus Arizona State University football game at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 12.
“This collaboration with UCLA is a very important one to OHT,” said Dot Sheehan, founder and CEO of OHT. "Not only will UCLA be selling OHT merchandise but the Veteran's Resource Center is benefitting from the relationship. Everything we sell has a built-in 'give back,' so OHT is able to help make an impact for those wounded and recovering veterans in various programs like cooking and recreational therapy. Together we are making a difference."
OHT provides aid to American service members as they recover from visible and invisible wounds of war; the program focuses on helping members navigate through traumas so they can begin focusing on their present-day lives and families. More information about OHT can be found on its website operationhattick.org.
“This month we extend a depth of gratitude to all veterans for their service to our country and for striving to protect the many rights and freedoms we enjoy as a nation,” said Pouria Abbassi, executive director and CEO of ASUCLA. “To the veterans and families of veterans within our ASUCLA family, thank you for all that you have done for us and the sacrifices you have made to uphold our nation's values.”
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About Operation Hat Trick
Operation Hat Trick generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. OHT pursues these goals through the sale of OHT branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations supporting the OHT mission. OHT receives a royalty on every product purchase of co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over 500 supporting American colleges and universities, as well as many NHL, NBA and MiLB teams. Its products are also available via online retailers such as Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels and more. OHT is dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery; OHT never forgets their sacrifice. Learn more about OHT at operationhattrick.org.
About the UCLA Veterans Center
The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) provides caring and personalized support to UCLA undergraduate and graduate military-connected students. The center provide guidance on educational benefits, academic support, career development, and community building opportunities for military-connected students. The VRC values the skills, assets and experiences military-connected students bring to the UCLA community and are committed to helping them achieve their goals and aspirations. The VRC also increases campus awareness of military-connected student issues and fosters a sense of belonging, community and well-being for all military-connected students at UCLA.
About ASUCLA:
Founded in 1919, Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) is a nonprofit association that drives vitally essential student services and activities throughout the UCLA campus. ASUCLA boasts the largest college store in the U.S., an extensive food program, UCLA® brand licensing programming through UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, and other services and programs that include student government and student media, which significantly enhances the quality of UCLA’s campus life. For more information and to stay connected, follow @asucla on Instagram or visit asucla.ucla.edu.