Who is The Franciscan Center, Inc.?

The Franciscan Center, Inc. is one of the largest food and clothing banks in the Fort Wayne area. Our services are 100% non-denominational and we serve a variety of clients with all 5 programs. No one is ever turned away for religious, race or other discriminatory reasons. We are a qualified 501 (c) 3 organization with the Federal government, which means that your donations qualify for 100% tax incentives.

How does The Franciscan Center, Inc. generate funds?

We are 100% donors supported. At this time we do not receive any Federal, State, or Local government monies. We are not a United Way funded agency or does any denomination or church fund our efforts. We do apply and receive multiple grants throughout the year, and we have corporate sponsors who help us out greatly.

What forms do I need when I look to The Franciscan Center?

It is through generous donations of money, food, time and gifts that we are able to make a difference in our community for those that need our help, no questions asked. It does not require someone to prove their need before we will offer them help. Instead of demanding paperwork demonstrating financial difficulty, we only ask for identification for the Food Pantry as a method of keeping track how often clients visit the program. Our other programs are open to clients as often as they wish to participate. Our commitment to our clients does not end with the tangible items we provide and distribute; as we are also committed to treating our clients with dignity in all circumstances.

How do I contact The Franciscan Center, Inc?

• Call us at: 260-744-3977
• E-mail us at: call toll free: 1-877-747-3977
• Fax us at: 260-744-2722
• Visit us at: 4643 Gaywood Street,
  Fort Wayne, In 46806
• Mail us at:
  The Franciscan Center, Inc.
  P.O. Box 10303
  Fort Wayne, IN 46851-0303

What ways can I give?:

• Food Donations
• Clothes

Drop off your donations at:

The Franciscan Center, Inc.:
4643 Gaywood Drive.
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Mon-Thurs 8:00am – 4:00pm
Saturdays 8:00 am – 10:00am

Cash donations can be dropped off at the Center during business hours or mailed to:

The Franciscan Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 10303
Fort Wayne, IN 46851-0303

Make checks Payable to: The Franciscan Center, Inc.

Can I use my Credit Card to make a donation?

Yes we accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
You can complete the enclosed fax application and fax to us (we do not use a secure line for credit card transmissions) or you can call your credit card donation in at 260-744-3977. All cash and monetary donations are issued a receipt for tax purposes, and the receipt does show our 501 (c) 3 registration number for your tax records.

Can I make a gift in Honor of or In Memory of someone?

If you would like to make a donation in memory of a friend, relative, or loved one who has passed on. Honor gifts make wonderful Christmas, Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday or special occasions gifts as well.

Please send to:
The Franciscan Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 10303
Fort Wayne, IN 46851-0303

Make checks Payable to: The Franciscan Center, Inc.
Please include the name and address of the person being memorialized or honored, and a gift letter of acknowledgement will be sent to the recipient or the family as well.

Can I make donations of stocks, estates, bonds, or annuities?

Yes. We are eligible to accept these types of gifts. We do have a Certified Financial Planner on our Board of Directors, and he can handle all of these transactions for you and discuss all of the tax benefits for you as well. Click here for more information, or contact Rudi Siela at:

Mr. Rudi Siela
Financial Focus
810 Mill Lake Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
260-637-6866 or 800-920-6866
260-637-6909 fax
rseila@aol.com

How do I volunteer to help out?

We are always in need of volunteers for all of the programs. We can accommodate any group, family, or individual.

For more information on the following opportunities, please call Sally at 260-744-3977 or call toll free: 1-877-747-3977.

We need help on the following days for the following programs:

Mondays 8:00 – 4:00pm
Stock shelves, unload trucks, sort and hang clothes, sort and display toys.

Tuesdays 8:45 – 4:00pm
Work in the food pantry and help distribute food. Help make the sack lunches for those in need to be distributed on Saturdays. Stock shelves, sort and hang clothes, sort and display toys.

Wednesdays 8:00am – 4: 00pm
Stock shelves, sort and hang clothes, sort and display toys, bag up chips and snacks for the sack lunch program.

Thursdays 8:45 – 4:00pm
Work in the food pantry and help distribute food. Help make the sack lunches for those in need to be distributed on Saturdays. Stock shelves, sort and hang clothes, sort and display toys.

Fridays 9:00 – 4:00pm
Help with St. Clare's Clothes Closet

Saturdays 7:45am – 10: 30am
Distribute sack lunches to over 400 homes in a restricted area. This is a rewarding project as the clients really appreciate it. You drive your own cars and work in teams of two per car, and go to each house on the list and distribute the lunches.

Please call 260-744-3977 or call toll free: 1-877-747-3977 to schedule a time to volunteer your services.

Come for an hour or come for a day. The choice is yours and we thank you for your support.

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