Editor’s Note: This is another in a series of stories leading up to the Relay for Life on May 17.

An ongoing scarf, hat and wig collection drive for cancer patients is ending its annual push on Mother’s Day, May 12.

Scarf Up and Wiggle has collected more than 7,500 items since it started in 2009, founder Nancy Alberts said. The items are donated to cancer patients through the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program.

“Every single item has helped a cancer patient,” Alberts said.

After losing her own mother to cancer, Alberts was looking through some of her mother’s things and had what she calls a “connect-the-dots” moment.

“There had to be a way I could help,” she said.

Alberts began placing collection boxes at local businesses. The program has grown to include about 100 collection locations. All the program’s expenses are donated.

One of the collection locations, One on One Care Salon in Churchland, even gives discounts on new wigs for people who donate wigs to Scarf Up and Wiggle. Owner Lilly Knauft helps out with the program, because her mother and best friend both died of cancer.

The donations from Hampton Roads are even reaching people beyond the area, Alberts said.

“The American Cancer Society has told me they are spreading out the donations to the rural areas,” Alberts said. “Many rural areas don’t have the donations to support cancer patients.”

Alberts said she hopes everyone who has any products that can help a cancer patient — wigs, scarves, hats and more — will donate.

“I’m very passionate about it,” she said. “It’s a way to give back. People are happy to donate directly and not fill a landfill.”

Drop-off locations in Suffolk include A-1 Shed Company, 5664 Shoulders Hill Road, and Lake Prince Woods, 100 Anna Goode Way.

For more information, visit www.scarfupandwiggle.com.