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Start your own Afghans for Angels Chapter

Hints for getting started.

• I found some appropriate rubber stamps from a stamp store in order to make cards. I then ordered calling cards and address labels to use. You can also make these on a computer. I make 2 cards to attach to each blanket. The first one is a small index card, folded, with a stamp on the front and a message of condolance and support inside. The second is geared toward the medical staff and tells the story of the Angel Afghan on the inside.
• I got information from a local support center that is geared toward hospitals and medical personnel. I then created my own cover letter to accompany this information and included it in each and every box of afghans that I donate to the hospitals.
• A local clothing store has allowed me to purchase very high quality white gift boxes to place our blankets in. I then decorate the top of the box with my rubber stamp and address label (with phone number) in case they need to contact me.
• Since I wanted to reach as many hospitals as possible, I started reaching out for more volunteers to help me make the blankets. I started by contacting family and friends that did such craftwork. From there, I began to contact civic and church groups. I did also put up a few posters on local bulletin boards.
• When I have a box of afghans ready for delivery to a hospital, I have found that it seems to work better to call ahead. After explaining who I am and what I want to give them, I make an appointment to drop off the blankets in person. It just seems to work better to be able to talk to the hospital personnel when I bring the blankets to them for the first time.

Thank you so much for your interest in starting your own Afghans for Angels group. I hope that this information will give you an idea of what it is that we do.

Since we have not had the funding to apply to become a non-profit organization yet, we refer to our group as a volunteer organization. We also encourage people who wish to help us to donate their time, help, material, postage stamps, office supplies, or finished blankets instead of cash.

These are just a few suggestions that may help you to start your own volunteer project. Please feel free to use any, all, or none of these as you like.

If you would like to have more detailed information regarding starting a chapter in your area (including a copy of each of the cards with attach to each blanket); please send a self addressed, business size envelope and $5.00 (to help offset printing costs) to the address below. Please make out any checks to: R. Thill.