Welcome

Forming a chapter of Crochet for Cancer (CFC) will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. We have found that each time we deliver donations to cancer centers and hospitals we walk away knowing that we have shown love and support to people during one of the most difficult times in their life. It is an awesome responsibility and it is one that we take very serious.

We say “form” a chapter instead of “start” a chapter of CFC on purpose. The reason is that many times committees, groups, organizations are started and then easily disband or fall apart when the newness wears off or a person gets too busy to stay active. We choose to “form” a group with the intent of it lasting and growing. It will be designed so that the responsibilities can be left to the next in command if someone were to choose to step down from the Leadership position.

Deciding to become a chapter and distribution point for chemo caps and other handmade items in your community is something that should be entered into with great thought and not on a whim. Our goal is to help establish strong Christian leaders that will continue the mission of CFC for many years to come. If you feel that you may only be able to partially commit to this cause or that you may be able to volunteer for less than 2 years, I urge you to reconsider forming a chapter and perhaps join in as a volunteer with an existing group. If you have made the decision to commit to becoming a chapter leader and are willing to dedicate yourself to this cause, we are happy to have you as a part of the CFC family.

Please print and complete the CHAPTER APPLICATION (PDF). If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Philosophy, Mission & Christian Values

As a chapter, you will be expected to follow the mission and guidelines established by CFC which are explained in this document.

It is important that you note that in order to be eligible to be a CFC recognized chapter, the volunteer leader of the newly formed chapter must express an agreement with and be willing to abide by the philosophy of CFC, its mission, and Christian values.

Philosophy: We believe that providing a cap or other handmade item to someone undergoing treatment for cancer is a privilege and should always be done so with respect, understanding, and in a gentle manner. It is an honor to use our time and talents to uplift and show God’s love to someone in need. Our hope and prayer is that the God will use the handmade gifts tagged with biblical scriptures, to open someone’s heart to have a life changing connection with Christ.

Mission: To uplift the spirits and show love to those taking treatments for cancer by offering them a handmade item.

1 John 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Christian Values: We choose to honor God with our lives. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Leader of our lives and the Source of eternal life. We believe the Holy Bible is God’s life-changing message of truth to all people.

We understand there are many Christian denominations and beliefs. We do not require chapter leaders to be a certain denomination as long as they believe the Christian Values statement is true and adhere to it.

Commitment

It is important for the chapter Leader to commit to running the new group for a minimum of 2 years (24 months).

It takes a few months to get established, secure a group of volunteers, communicate and partner with local cancer centers, and to spread the word about your organization.  Once the group is formed and running smoothly, a co-leader or vice president should be established so that someone will be able to continue the group if the leader should step down, move away or resign.

Chapter Leader Expectations

As a CFC chapter leader you will be expected to do the following:

  • Acquire a small post office box where donations can be mailed. This can be a personal PO Box if you already have one.
  • Establish a group name and Facebook page. (website/blog is optional)
  • Give an account of the total number of hats received each month to CFC by email.
  • Place an uplifting scripture from the Holy Bible (any translation) on each item prior to donating. CFC provides free tags that can be printed.
  • Items collected will be donated to cancer centers, hospitals, and infusion centers within one month of being received.
  • Build a relationship with area cancer centers, hospitals, etc. and provide CFC with contact information of each one that you have chosen to donate to.
  • Build a core group of volunteers to help accomplish the CFC mission.
  • Take photos of all items donated and post photos with thank you notes on Facebook. Send handwritten thank you notes to each person that donates items to your group.
  • Keep a computer log (excel or similar) of all donor names, addresses, items donated and date received.
  • Store the donations safely until the time that they can be delivered.
  • Process donations to be sure they are clean and free of pet hair, perfume, smoke, etc. Launder if necessary using allergen free detergent.
  • Promote your group and help spread the word about the cause through activities, teaching opportunities, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can more than one chapter be formed in a state?

Yes. We encourage you to form a group to service the cancer centers in your community. Each chapter typically covers a 30+ mile radius (inner cities chapters may be less miles).

I am not ready to form my own chapter, however I would like to donate to my local cancer center, is that ok?

Yes. Our number one priority is to provide caps to cancer patients. If becoming a chapter is not something you are prepared to do, then we would like to encourage you to continue to donate your caps to your local oncology center or to one of our many Chapters. Forming a group is a wonderful way to network and share ideas with other people that have a passion for crochet/knit, however it is not our main focus.

If I form a Chapter can I use CFC’s non-profit status?

No. Each chapter is its own entity and is not automatically a non-profit. Chapters cannot use CFC’s status as their own. They are a separate entity and it is up to the chapter to decide whether they should become a registered corporation in their state and a federally recognized 501(c)3 organization.

Do I have to purchase a small P.O. Box or can I use my home address?

Due to the fact that each chapter’s contact information is posted online, we prefer you use a small P.O. Box instead of a home address. Safety is a factor and it is best to have an anonymous address. If you choose to use your home address we would simply need you to write on the application that you understand the risks of having your address listed online.

If you have any other questions that are not covered in this section, please email us at [email protected].