FAQs

Grateful Friends supports adults with cancer in Essex and Middlesex counties, Massachusetts, by providing Comfort Baskets™ (https://www.gratefulfriends.com/comfort-baskets)filled with thoughtful items, financial assistance (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/financial-assistance)for essential bills, and caregiver support programs. Our goal is to ease the burdens of treatment and bring moments of joy and relief.

Our services are available to adults diagnosed with cancer who live in Essex or Middlesex counties, MA. Caregivers and family members may also submit applications on behalf of a patient to request assistance.

You or your caregiver can apply by submitting a program application through our website, including any documentation of financial need or bills for which assistance is requested. All information is confidential and reviewed by our staff. To find a program that best suits your needs, visit our How to Receive (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/how-to-receive)page.

Yes, caregivers and family members are welcome to submit applications on behalf of the adult with cancer. We encourage caregivers to include relevant documentation and details about the patient’s needs to help us provide the best support.

Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome! You can apply on our volunteer page,(https://www.gratefulfriends.org/volunteer) and once accepted, you’ll receive access to our Volunteer Portal to view opportunities, track hours, and stay connected. Volunteer roles include helping with events, Comfort Basket assembly, fundraising, communications, and more.

Yes! Businesses can sponsor Comfort Baskets™, host Build-A-Basket events,(https://www.gratefulfriends.org/host-a-build-a-basket-event) or provide financial support. Corporate partnerships help Grateful Friends reach more adults with cancer in our community and bring employees and clients together for meaningful volunteer experiences.

Tracking volunteer hours allows us to demonstrate community engagement, strengthen grant applications, and quantify the economic value of volunteer support. Accurately recording your time helps secure future funding and expands the impact of your volunteering.

Absolutely! We welcome product donations (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/donate-items)for Comfort Baskets™, including items purchased locally or through our Amazon Charity Wishlist.(https://a.co/3ISHavx) Gift cards to major retailers or Visa/AMEX gift cards are also appreciated. You can drop off items or schedule a pickup.

You can donate securely through DonorPerfect, PayPal, Venmo, Square, or by check. Your contribution helps provide financial assistance, Comfort Baskets™, and caregiver support to adults with cancer in Essex and Middlesex counties. Learn more about making a financial contribution on our Make a Donation (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/donate)page.

Yes. All personal and medical information provided voluntarily is kept confidential and stored securely. We follow federal and Massachusetts privacy requirements and only share information with authorized staff and volunteers involved in program administration. View our Privacy Policy (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/privacy)for more information.

Sign up for our newsletter or visit the Volunteer (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/volunteer)and Events (https://www.gratefulfriends.org/events)pages on our website. You’ll receive updates about upcoming volunteer activities, donation drives, and ways to support adults with cancer in your community.