Volunteers
Called "auxilians" by our sisters, our volunteers make a priceless contribution to the quality of life at the Motherhouse in Lemont. Their infectious good cheer, the work they joyfully do, and the time they give to our Franciscan family are important to us. We're blessed to have "junior auxilians" working under the leadership of adult volunteers and our sisters. Volunteers teach crafts, organize table games, lead exercise activities, write letters, visit the infirmary and do a variety of other good works that enrich our lives. Consider giving us a gift of yourself… your time and your talent. There are volunteer opportunities at all of our convents and facilities.

Financial Support
Generally, gifts to the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago can be directed to where the need is greatest (our unrestricted fund), the retirement fund, and the Legacy Fund. All gifts for memorials, tributes, and special intentions are sent to the Legacy Fund, our endowment. There, your gift keeps giving in perpetuity, and through your generosity, others will be helped, including our infirm and retired sisters. Currently we are seeking assistance in furnishing our new Motherhouse, which is under construction.

Here are some common ways our donors have provided for the Sisters:

• Through outright unrestricted gifts of cash - the most common way of giving
• Through non-cash gifts such as services and goods which either reduce our expenses or generate income. We are limited through policy and law as to what non-cash gifts we can accept, so be sure to check first.
• Through bequests - there are several ways to include the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago in your Will. Please tell us if you've included us in your Will so that we can properly thank you.
• Through gifts of stock, insurance, and other assets
• Through gifts of real estate and personal property - but check with us first, please
• Through instruments such as an annuity of trust which will provide for income for the donor until his or her death.
• Through attendance at our annual black tie fundraising event held each October. Opportunities of underwriting of expenses for the gala are also available

The development office works for you. If you need information or assistance, or if you would like to contribute a gift to the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, please contact the Corporate Vice President for Institutional Advancement at gifts@chicagofranciscans.org or (630)-243-3562.