Nancy Alberts was looking for a way to remember her mother-in-law when she founded “Scarf Up and Wig-gle.”

The oddly-named annual event encourages people to donate scarves, wigs, baseball caps, prostheses and other items that will help cancer survivors feel better about the way they look.

The items are used for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program, which helps improve the self-esteem and quality of life for cancer patients through free group, individual and self-help beauty sessions focused on hair, skin, nail and makeup tips especially for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Scarf Up and Wig-gle sets up collection boxes at locations throughout the community and gives all the donations to people in Hampton Roads. In its three years so far, it has collected more than 5,000 items to give to patients.

“People all over the Hampton Roads area have given from their heart,” Alberts said. “The recipients are so grateful that they have support from the entire community.”

Alberts said the greatest need is wigs of all colors and styles both for men and women. The collection also takes baseball caps, scarves and other items.

The items may be new or used, but if used should be clean and in good shape.

“A lot of people have family members who have passed away from cancer, and they have wigs and don’t know what to do with them,” Alberts said. “The community is very gratified they’re making a direct donation to somebody.”

She said somebody who has no items that could be used, but still wishes to help, can make a monetary donation. All money given is used to clean donated items, she said.

“All of this is volunteer,” she said. “It literally doesn’t cost anybody anything.”

Michelle Laskey, director of marketing at Lake Prince Woods, said the assisted-living facility has four collection boxes throughout the site — one in each department.

“A lot of people who come to our events will actually bring things with them,” Laskey said. “Our resident family members tend to bring in donations too. It’s kind of a big group effort.”

Lake Prince Woods is located at 100 Anna Goode Way in Suffolk. In addition, donations can be dropped off at October Moon at 5664 Shoulders Hill Road. Donations are accepted through Mother’s Day.

For more information, visit www.scarfupandwiggle.com, call 393-1622 or email info@scarfupandwiggle.com.

A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, the Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for Life, is coming up on May 18-19. For more information, visit www.suffolkrockinrelay.org.