Where should I send my crochet/knit/sewn donations?
We have Chapters in the US & Canada. Find a Chapter Location near you.
Can I donate a chemo cap to my local cancer center?
We encourage you to contact your local cancer center to see if they would be willing to accept your donations. Many centers are very open to receiving handmade chemo caps, however, some have restrictions and certain requirements. Giving them a quick phone call prior to donating is best. Also, please remember, the center’s first priority is to administer medicine that will help their patients fight cancer. Sometimes they can be very busy and are not able to assist you immediately.
Can I start a chapter of Crochet for Cancer?
Yes. Please view our Chapter Application form for details.
Do I have to follow certain patterns if I want to donate a crochet hat?
We have links to Free Hat Patterns on our website however we do not mandate that you must use those specific patterns. The only thing we ask is that the hats are clean, never worn, free of perfume, detergent, pet hair and smoke. Also, most people that have lost their hair to chemo prefer to have caps where the pattern is solid and without gaps or holes.
Can I donate a knitted hat?
Yes! Although our name is Crochet for Cancer we do accept knitted items as well as sewn. For example, if you know how to make a cloth turban and would like to donate it to our cause, we will gladly distribute it to a cancer center on your behalf.
Do you accept children sizes?
Yes! Many of our chapters have partnered with children’s hospitals that will accept hats for their oncology patients from 0-20 years old.
What types of items do you accept?
Our chapters accept any type of crochet/knit/sewn items that will benefit and uplift the spirits of people taking treatments for cancer. For example, sewn cloth turbans, crochet teddy bears, crochet prosthetic breasts, scarves, prayer shawls, lap blankets, gloves, socks, etc. If you have a specific item that you would like to donate and are unsure, please contact the chapter leader where you plan to send your items.
What type of yarn should I use?
In warm weather, 100% cotton, silk or a blend is best. In the cooler months a soft acrylic, fleece or blend is good. DO NOT USE WOOL or animal hair like alpaca. Many chemo patients are allergic to fur and wool can make their tender heads itch.
Should I wash the items prior to donating?
This is a common question. It is best NOT to wash the items as long as they have been kept clean while making them. Many chemo patients can have very sensitive skin and detergents that contain perfumes and dyes can aggravate it. If you find that you must wash the item, the best detergents are labeled “allergen free,” “unscented” or as as a “clear” liquid. Detergents that are meant for babies may be mild enough but are usually more expensive.
Where can I find the Crochet for Cancer Scripture Tags?
We offer a Free Scripture Tags in PDF format for your use when donating items both to your local cancer centers and/or to one of our chapters. We suggest printing the tags on thick card stock, punch a hole in the corner and tie to the item with a 6″ strip of yarn.
Where can I find a list of cancer awareness ribbon colors?
A list of cancer awareness ribbon colors can be found here: https://crochetforcancer.org/2012/04/03/cancerawarenessribboncolors/
How can I get a cap? Can I purchase one?
Sorry, all caps we receive are donated to cancer centers and hospitals. If you are currently or will soon be taking treatments for cancer, please check with your oncology office to see if they have free caps for their patients. If not, please let us know and we will see what we can do. No guarantees but we will try. Our mission is to provide free caps to people who have lost their hair due to treatment and we would never charge anyone for a cap.
If you have additional questions, please email [email protected].