Phil's Friends

June Newsletter

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“You have no idea how a simple card can mean so much, especially on a bad day. These cards not only put a smile on my face but my parents as well. This has been a long journey, but with Phil’s Friends [support], it sure makes it easier. Keep doing an awesome job!” -Kelly

 

Dear Friends,
It is National Cancer Survivor Month and we’ve been celebrating our friends who have fought by sharing their stories. Stories like these inspire others in the fight to press on and not give up hope. We hope you will be encouraged by the story of our friend Christina, who is a survivor, an advocate, and a faithful PF volunteer. 

Many organizations, businesses, and individuals are struggling right now. If this is you, we are with you in the struggle. Times are tough for us too, but we are ever inspired by God’s provision to continue our mission of blessing those affected by cancer. Thank you for joining us in this work to care for the sick. 

 

 

 

WELCOME BACK VOLUNTEERS!

We are thrilled to welcome volunteers back into our Hope Centers, albeit in a limited capacity! If you are interested in serving, please click here.

As to comply with state mandates, you must RSVP to volunteer; no walk-ins will be permitted. 

 

 

 

 

More News…

Here’s what’s going on in the PF community right now:

Our offices and Hope Centers are open with limited hours and capacity. More information on serving here. 

Serve From Home
Volunteer from the comfort of your home.

June is National Cancer Survivor Month 
Submit a prayer request for someone you care for who is affected by cancer and join us in lifting a prayer of thanks for the survivors.

Thrivent Action Teams
Great Opportunities to Volunteer Virtually!

Friends of Hope
The PF Monthly Donor Club

Chicago Marathon Charity Running Team
October 11, 2020 (Support our charity runners!)

Know someone with cancer? Can’t find the right words to say? Send them a tangible expression of care and concern. Knowing someone is thinking of them will bring a much-needed smile. Click to: Request a care package.

In this season we are in need of financial support as well as in-kind donations more than ever before. We appreciate you considering us as you determine your charitable giving. Click here to make a donation today.

The team at Phil’s Friends wants to extend a hearty ‘thank you’ to all of YOU! Keep making a difference for those affected by cancer!

Blessings and Peace,
The PF Team

 
 

Giving Tuesday NOW Thank you from Phil

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We want to thank you for showing up in a crisis and showing God’s love for the sick. While the future is uncertain, we will continue to do the work of bringing hope to those affected by cancer.

Due to your courageous generosity:

  • We are currently at $18,384, 61% to goal.
  • In one day, we witnessed a huge outpouring of support raising $10,000 from 54 donations.

YOU can still help! Our #GivingTuesdayNOW campaign will continue through May 10. Please click here: bit.ly/PFCovidFund

In the months to come, we will be more dependent on the courageous generosity, prayers, and participation of you, our Phil’s Friends family. We are deeply grateful for your continued support.

Covid Fund Update: We’re 21% to our $30,000 Goal!

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The last several weeks have been trying for all of us, but we continue to be awed and inspired by the goodness in people and the genuine acts of kindness, large and small, that we see daily. Due to your generosity, we’ve received $6,319, 21% of our $30,000 goal to send 500 care packages of hope to cancer patients during this time. If you’ve given or you’re able to give…thank you, every dollar helps! Visit bit.ly/PFCovidFund.

If you’re able to share this post with your networks…we would be so grateful!

Sustaining Hope for Cancer During COVID-19

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Phil’s Friends is grateful to take part in the COVID-19 relief efforts for non-profits with the global #GivingTuesdayNow campaign.  #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

#GivingTuesdayNow is an opportunity for people around the world to stand together in unity–to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected and heal. Starting now through May 10, 2020, we unite in the spirit of generosity. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts.

Help us continue our mission of spreading hope to cancer patients during this time of need.

 Click here to give to the GoFundMe Charity Match Program.

Collecting Care Package Items from Home!

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We miss seeing our volunteers, especially on Thursdays! BUT the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t stopping these creative folks from collecting care package items from the comfort of their home while maintaining social distancing guidelines! These porch boxes are a great way to do some good for those affected by cancer and gather in-kind donations.

So far, we have had just enough inventory to continue to fulfill all the care package requests we have received to date. To have such an influx of items ready for when we re-open to the public will be so helpful. Start your own collection box (click here for a sign to use) or email us at info@philsfriends.org for a drop-off location near you!  We also have a collection box available at our Roselle location. Our most needed items are:

              • Fleece Blankets
              • Travel-sized unscented lotion
              • Travel-sized toothpaste & Toothbrushes
              • Lip Balm
              • Tissue
              • Biotene

All care package items can be found here.

Also, click here for our amazon charity link, but please do not have items shipped to our offices until we re-open to the public.

Hope Centers and Offices CLOSED

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our offices and Hope Centers will be closed to the public effective today, 3/16/2020. We will be following information surrounding the virus very closely and will continue to evaluate when it is appropriate to re-open for our volunteers. Our Hope Centers will only be accessible to a small group of staff so that we can continue our mission. We are following strict hygiene and disinfecting procedures in the Hope Center per CDC protocols.

Following these procedures will enable us to continue to serve those with cancer. This is an ever-evolving situation and we realize that we may need to amend these policies as we learn more. We will continue to post updates on our website.

During this time, we need your continued support more than ever, as we continue to send care packages to our friends with cancer. If you are able to give, please give generously. If you know someone affected by cancer, please request a care package for them. If your family would like to serve together, you may do so from home by coloring cards, organizing an item drive, or making blankets.

Thank you to our entire community for their incredible generosity, flexibility and understanding, and to our staff for their willingness to continue to serve! We are so grateful! May God’s blessings and peace be upon us all during this time of uncertainty.

Health Notice to all Volunteers

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As you may be aware, we have reason for elevated concern regarding the spread of the COVID-19 aka Coronavirus. During this season, we would like to remind everyone that ​we serve those with compromised immune systems.

Prior to volunteering with us, we ask that if you are experiencing symptoms of any illness, that you plan to stay home and serve with us another time when you are symptom free. We look forward to seeing you soon.

From the ​CDC website​:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.

    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website​. For information specific to healthcare, see ​CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings​. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

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