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Children and families served by Franciscan Health Olympia Fields received support from local Catholic school students through various fundraising activities. Students from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Infant Jesus of Prague School in Flossmoor, and St. Agnes School in Chicago Heights participated in efforts to aid the Catholic healthcare ministry's mission to assist its youngest patients and their families.
Laurie Crosby, Executive Director of the Franciscan Health Foundation, expressed gratitude for community partnerships, stating, "We are so grateful for our community partners who help us take care of the most vulnerable in our community." She emphasized the importance of these partnerships by noting that they cannot fulfill their mission alone.
Charlotte Kelly, interim principal at Infant Jesus of Prague School and a member of both the Franciscan Health Foundation Board of Directors and the Circle of 1875, highlighted a pediatric sensory room project at Franciscan Health Outpatient Therapy Homewood as an initiative chosen by the Circle. Although funding was initially insufficient for some supplies like toys, students helped bridge this gap with a Penny Wars challenge during Catholic Schools Week. Kelly noted that approximately $350 was raised through this effort.
Students at Marian Catholic High School also contributed by selling cookies during lunch hours throughout Catholic Schools Week. Nora Zerante, assistant principal at Marian Catholic High School, reported that these sales generated $1,000 to purchase toys for the pediatric outpatient therapy location. Zerante explained that service is a core value celebrated during this week.
St. Agnes School students focused their fundraising on supporting new mothers and babies served by Franciscan Health Olympia Fields. Principal Matt Lungaro shared that students raised $1,400 during Lent through personal donations and soliciting contributions from friends and family. Lungaro highlighted one first grader who raised over $100 to provide diapers for babies.
For those interested in supporting programs backed by the Franciscan Health Foundation or joining the Circle of 1875, contributions can be made online or via phone at 708-852-2430.
