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ABOUT PHIL'S FRIENDS

Who is Phil, and how did Phil’s Friends get started?

Phil Zielke, Founder and President of Phil’s Friends, is a two-time survivor of stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Diagnosed at 22, he underwent rigorous treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a stem cell transplant. During his cancer journey, Phil received a Care Package, encouraging cards, and on-going prayer from people across the country. Inspired by these acts of love, he founded Phil’s Friends. In 2006, the organization delivered its first Care Package to four-year-old Jenna, who was battling brain cancer.

What is the Vision and Mission of Phil’s Friends?

Our Vision

We believe in a world where no one faces cancer alone—where every individual impacted by cancer receives Christ-centered hope, comfort, and support.

Our Mission

We provide Christ-centered support and hope to those affected by cancer through Care Packages, cards of hope, encouragement, and prayer.

What is the impact of Phil’s Friends?

Phil’s Friends supports thousands of patients and families across the country each year through Care Packages, Cards of Hope, and prayer. Volunteers serve in regional Hope Centers, satellite locations and packing events nationwide, and the Phil’s Friends Hope to Hospitals Program. In a 2018 study by Deloitte, it was determined that four to five lives are impacted for each Care Package delivery.

How is Phil’s Friends funded?

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Phil’s Friends is 100% funded through the generosity of individual donors, churches, corporate donations and grants. 91% of donations goes directly to support cancer patients. Monetary donations can be made through the Phil’s Friends website (ACH or Credit Card), or a check payable to “Phil’s Friends.”

Phil’s Friends also accepts in-kind donations of Care Package items. All items must be new.

Did you know appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in a taxable investment portfolio can be transferred as gifts to support cancer patients and their families? Giving stocks directly to Phil’s Friends provides a significant opportunity to avoid capital gains tax, receive a deduction at the full-market value of the securities, and simplify your giving. Contact us for transfer instructions to make a tax wise gift. Phil’s Friends is also registered with corporate giving services such as Benevity and Thrivent.

For more information, please contact us by calling 224-653-8315.

Does Phil’s Friends have a Board of Directors?

Yes, Phil’s Friends has a Board of Directors made up of wonderful individuals who volunteer their time and expertise. Board member bios are available upon request.

HOPE CENTERS

What is a Hope Center and where are they located?

Regional Hope Centers are the heartbeat of the Phil’s Friends mission where volunteers serve. Individuals and groups serve weekly with family, friends, coworkers, church groups, and community organizations to pack Care Packages, decorate boxes, and create Cards of Hope. Join us for a 90-minute volunteer session!

What is a Phil’s Friends Satellite location?

Area satellite locations are set up at local churches where individuals and groups can serve across the country to pack Care Packages, decorate boxes, and create Cards of Hope.

How can I volunteer?

Phil’s Friends provides many opportunities to volunteer as an individual, group, or family.

Groups

Our Hope Center can accommodate up to 45 volunteers at a time. You can organize a group of your family and friends or from your clubs, community organizations, churches, corporations, sports teams, and more. During these 90-minute sessions, you will be able to make and pack Care Packages and color Cards of Hope. Click here for more information. If your group has less than 10 persons, feel free to utilize our walk-in sessions.

Do you offer opportunities for community service hours and internships?

Yes, individuals are welcome to volunteer at our Hope Centers and receive documentation for service hours. The Hope Center staff must be able to verify the individual’s service dates and times.

Yes, Phil’s Friends offers internship programs. For more information, contact us.

What does a volunteer do when serving at the Hope Center?

We’ve been fortunate to have incredible groups join us in advancing our mission to bring hope to those affected by cancer. Families, businesses, community and church groups, schools, organizations, and many others have all played a part! In just 90 minutes, you can channel your creativity by coloring and decorating Care Package boxes and Cards of Hope. You’ll also get the chance to pack Care Packages that will be sent to a friend facing cancer.

SERVICES OFFERED

Care Packages

How do I request a Care Package for someone with cancer?

Request a Care Package

Who can receive a Care Package?

We send Phil’s Friends Care Packages to men, women, and children of any age who have cancer across the United States. Care Packages are age and gender specific. Patients receive only one Care Package so if you put in a request and a previous request for that person was made we will alert you. After a Care Package is sent, the individual will receive ongoing support for a year through Cards of Hope and prayer.

We recommend that requestors provide the residential mailing address for the intended recipient. We do not ship to addresses outside of the United States and cannot deliver Care Packages to patients in hospitals and treatment centers.

Our Care Packages are sent anonymously. Feel free to follow up with your loved one after they receive their Care Package.

What items are in a Care Package?

A Care Package is a small gift of hope, carefully hand packed by volunteers and sent to individuals battling cancer. We have different Care Packages for women, men, teens, and children (based on age). Each Care Package is filled with items that are both practical and comforting.

Can I donate items for Care Packages?

Yes. As a 501(c)3 non profit organization we rely on donations of new, unused items for our Care Packages. See our current Care Package needs.

Is there a cost for a Care Package?

The total cost for a Care Package and shipping is $100. However, there is no cost to request a Care Package on behalf of a cancer patient.

How long does it take for a Care Package to arrive?

Our Care Package requests are processed on Mondays and shipped towards the end of the week. Delivery takes place in 5-7 business days.

Cards of Hope

What are Cards of Hope?

Cards of Hope is one avenue Phil’s Friends provides ongoing support to cancer patients and their families after receiving a Care Package. Cards of Hope are delivered to patients once a month for a year.

Cards of Hope include a joke, a note of encouragement, a picture, and a prayer. The cards are created by volunteers of all ages in our Hope Centers, satellite locations, schools, churches, community organizations, and homes all over the United States. Thousands of cards are sent each month. Want to help?

How does someone get added to the Cards of Hope mailing list?

Care Package recipients are automatically added to the Cards of Hope mailing list. Sign up here if you have received Cards of Hope for a year and would like to continue receiving them.

Patient Support

Does Phil’s Friends pray for cancer patients and their families?

Yes. Each week cancer patients and their families are prayed for as a staff and by our prayer team. As a Christ-centered organization we believe in the power of prayer. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” -1 John 5:14

How do I join the prayer team?

Do you have a heart for prayer? Join our prayer team.

Can I share my story?

Yes, we love hearing how Phil’s Friends has impacted your journey. Please share your story with us by video, photos, and text.

How can I help?

We have many opportunities for volunteering with us.

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Call: 224-653-8315

Email: info@philsfriends.org

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Home Office & Crown Point
Hope Center
1249 Arrowhead Court,
Crown Point, IN 46307

Wheaton
Hope Center
213 W. Wesley Street,
Wheaton, IL 60187

Addison
Hope Center
1150 N. Swift Road,
Addison, IL 60101

Kankakee
Hope Center
240 S. Dearborn Ave,
Kankakee, IL 60901

Phil’s Friends is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. Per IRS Regulations, your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our tax ID is 20-3087488.
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