If you’re looking for a new crochet project to make and donate, Crochet for Cancer wants your handmade chemo caps.
But let me back up a minute.
I don’t know about you, but for me it’s hard to believe it’s October already!
And on Create To Donate, October means honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Some of the previous posts include:
Throughout the year, my cancer support posts typically include tutorials on sewing projects like a chemo port pillow, or even a no-sew DIY mastectomy drain bag holder.
This year, however, I have the ongoing support from the amazing members of the Crochet and Knit Blogger Social group on Facebook.
Having all of these bloggers willing to share their free patterns means all kinds of new fiber arts projects, as well as features of charities that need crochet or knit items.
And one of those new charities is Crochet For Cancer.
Featured Charity: Crochet For Cancer
Crochet For Cancer was founded in February 2012 and seeks to uplift the spirits of someone battling cancer by providing a free, handmade item.
Their philosophy is:
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.
– Crochet For Cancer
They are also guided by their deep faith in Christianity.
Chemo Cap Donation Guidelines
As you might expect, Crochet for Cancer has specific chemo cap donation guidelines.
They even created a video (below) that explains their needs.
If it’s easier just to read quickly through the requirements, here they are:
- The chemo cap must be new. It should have never been worn.
- The chemo cap must be clean and free of perfume, pet hair, and smoke
- Please place each individual donation into its own clear, Ziploc-style plastic bag
- When selecting yarn, soft yarn is preferred. Using cotton, acrylic, silk, fleece, or a blend is best. Do not use wool or alpaca because they can irritate the scalp.
- Be sure to wash your hands on a regular basis while making the caps.
- Please use patterns that do not have gaps or large holes. A tighter stitch is best so that it covers the scalp.
- If you are looking for an appropriate pattern to use, take a look at their list of free chemo cap patterns.
You may donate baby, children, youth, and adult hats.
The organization also accepts more than just chemo caps and welcomes donations of scarves, blankets of all sizes, and prayer shawls too.
Or, if you don’t have time to make anything right now, but you’re looking to destash some yarn, they would love to make use of it. So please send it their way!
How To Send Your Items To Crochet For Cancer
Donating handmade chemo caps to Crochet For Cancer is very simple:
- Locate and contact the chapter closest to you to find out the appropriate mailing address.
- Package each item in its own sealed plastic bag.
- Place your donation in a large envelope or box and drop it off at the USPS.
Since they have chapters throughout the US, as well as some in Canada and Australia, you are sure to find a chapter near you.
There Are Many Ways To Crochet For A Cause
With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am so happy to feature a nonprofit that supports people who need handmade chemo caps.
Plus, depending on the hat pattern you choose, you could gain some benefits of your own by practicing mindful crochet.
But if making hats isn’t appealing to you right now, here are two other ways to crochet for a cause:
- Crochet hearts for The Peyton Project or to add to a chemo care bag.
- Crochet stuffed animals for pediatric hospitals.
Regardless of what you make, every donation makes a difference. So thank you for being a part of the Create To Donate community!
Share The Goods
Which charity is your “go to” when you want to crochet for a cause?
Let me know in the comment section below.