By Nikki Jennings, VBCF Resource Coordinator
Did you know that April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month? VBCF celebrates the hard work and dedication of volunteers year-round, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. As a small, grassroots nonprofit, we rely on volunteers to help us accomplish our mission to empower Virginians impacted by breast cancer through access, advocacy, education, and community action. From our national and state advocacy efforts in the early months of the year, to bundling our bulk materials in the spring and summer, and continuing through our many in-person community events and fundraisers in the fall, we couldn’t do it without your support!
Are you interested in sharing your time and talents to support our work? Read on to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved. Whether you’re looking for something easy you can do at home, or you’re part of a large group, there are lots of ways you can help make a difference in our communities throughout Virginia!
Bundling Bulk Educational Materials
A simple opportunity that makes a significant impact! Each year, VBCF mails thousands of free educational materials, such as brochures, such as rack cards, self-exam door hangers, and fun giveaways, such as our pink ribbon logo stickers. These materials help us promote breast health awareness and provide our contact information for those seeking support. We distribute many of these resources at no cost throughout the state, and we need your assistance in preparing our bundles for our busiest time of year. Connect with our Resource Coordinator to arrange a pick-up appointment to DIY-at-home or an in-office session at VBCF HQ!
“The Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church Health Care Ministry is inspired to be a partner with VBCF because we see the goodness and honor they bring to breast cancer patients. We see the lives you have touched as you spread the word of your mission. And for that we thank you.”
- Nadine Jones, Central VA Volunteer
Restocking Support Kits
One of our most impactful programs is our Breast Cancer Support Kit, which provides a great range of resources, tips, and tricks to anyone in need of support here in Virginia. For folks who are just beginning their breast cancer journey, our ‘Navigating Breast Cancer: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed’ booklet is included to help get them accustomed to what comes along with a diagnosis without overwhelming them. These Support Kits can also be customized for Caregivers and Survivors – folks who are finished with treatment, but still need some support and guidance on ‘what comes next.’ Each year, we send out hundreds of these packages, and we always need help putting together the folders to keep our supply stocked. This is a great opportunity for individuals or smaller groups who are able to volunteer at our headquarters in Richmond.
‘Sewing Our Support’ Heart Pillow Donations
One thing that really helps make our Support Kits so appreciated by our recipients is the inclusion of our Heart-Shaped Comfort Pillows, lovingly crafted by volunteers all over Virginia! Breast cancer is a challenging battle, and recovery after surgery can be difficult. A simple yet impactful way to help is by providing heart-shaped pillows. These pillows fit comfortably under the arm during treatments and can help relieve pain from surgical incisions by protecting the area from accidental bumps, making travel easier by keeping the seatbelt from irritating the area.
Beyond practicality, these pillows provide emotional support, reminding patients they are not alone and that others care about them. With cheerful fabrics, they can bring a smile during tough times, making a meaningful difference in their journey. This is a great project to use up some of your fabric stash! Volunteers donate their own materials, but VBCF will mail you iron-on labels to include on each pillow. This is a DIY project, so you can work on your own or organize with your church or craft club for a group project!
“VBCF is a vital resource in the lives of patients and survivors alike. [As a VBCF volunteer,] You are a member of the village that affirms and provides tangible items that support healing. The heart pillows fill the comfort void when a word, phrase, or deed from another person can’t.”
- Valerie Parker, Heart Pillow Volunteer & Member of KUUMBA African American Quilt Guild
Creating Care Cards of Encouragement
A true grassroots initiative! This program was an idea proposed to us by a group of high school students who wanted to find a way to support our work. After hearing about our free Support Kits, they decided to DIY a batch of Care Cards to include in these packages. Recognizing the significance of emotional support and encouragement, these students collaborated to create cards that bring an extra ray of sunshine to every recipient. When someone opens their Support Kit, they will find a heartfelt message meant to uplift and encourage them. Not an artist or a writer? That’s okay! These cards can be very simple, and we’ll provide you with ideas and guidelines for what’s appropriate to write in them. Shoutout to the Edison Medicine Club at Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria, VA for this wonderful idea! Reach out to our Resource Coordinator if interested.
Volunteer In-Person for Community Events
VBCF is committed to educating communities about breast cancer. Our staff and volunteers travel throughout the state to speak at churches, parent groups, community events, state colleges, and any other venues where people are eager to learn about breast cancer. VBCF offers educational presentations and survivor stories that range from 10 minutes to 1.5 hours. Additionally, our volunteers can help with our resource table at health fairs or other community events. If you’re a social butterfly who likes to meet new people and provide direct support to your community, you’ll love volunteering to share our mission at these events!
Host a Fundraiser to Support our Mission
If you would like to fundraise as an individual or group, you can create your own fundraising page, set your personal goal, add photos, and share via email and social media with your friends, family, and co-workers who can help support your efforts to raise funds for VBCF!
Become a VBCF SOLE STAR!
Our Sole Stars lead a fun, month-long effort to support Virginians facing breast cancer while wearing pink shoes. Help spread the word about our programs in your community while working towards your fundraising goal.
Make Moves Against Breast Cancer
Make Moves Against Breast Cancer is VBCF’s signature statewide campaign, which involves any activity that gets you out and moving — while also raising funds for VBCF! Whether walking, running, biking, swimming, or lifting weights, when you #makemovesagainstbreastcancer, you are helping to raise crucial funding to support those affected by breast cancer in Virginia.
Become an Advocate! State & National-Level Opportunities
YOUR voice can make a difference! We mobilize volunteer advocates across the state and provide the background information and training you need to take action. VBCF hosts annual Breast Cancer Advocacy days where volunteers meet with their legislators at the Virginia General Assembly and in Congress to discuss how to improve the lives of those impacted by breast cancer. Throughout the year, our Advocacy Alert email system keeps advocates informed about opportunities to support important legislation at the Virginia Capitol and in Congress.
Ready to volunteer with VBCF? Here’s How to Get Involved:
Whether you’re an individual looking for ways to volunteer solo or a large group hoping to find a community service project, we’d love to hear from you! VBCF is now accepting Volunteer Applications for opportunities throughout the year.
Click here to view our volunteer program webpage and sign up today!
The staff and Board of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation send our sincere gratitude to all of our new and returning volunteers this year. THANK YOU for your time and support of our mission, and for helping us celebrate the spirit of community and compassion that drives this important work. We appreciate you!
