Masons throughout the state continue this tradition through a network of charitable programs, with a primary focus advancing the welfare of others, particularly children and senior citizens. In continuing this tradition, we, as Freemasons, not only serve our communities by setting a good example as citizens, but also improve the lives of future generations and care for the elderly. Freemasons dona
te thousands of hours of volunteer time and more than $2 million PER DAY, of which more than 70 percent goes to assist the general public. Among the Masons' good works are the Shriners Hospitals for Children with two dozen sites throughout North America; well over 200 Scottish Rite Learning Centers helping children with dyslexia, speech and hearing disorders; the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, which funds treatment and surgery for children and adults with vision disorders; and the Grottoes of North American Humanitarian Foundation, which provides dental care for special needs children. There are numerous other worthy causes and groups that local Lodges contribute to and support in their communities, either independently or in conjunction with the Grand Lodge, such as the Illinois Child Identification Program (IL CHIP) which creates identification kits to help parents recover a lost or missing child. In addition, Masons are, collectively, one of the largest groups of blood donors in the State of Illinois.
