We invite you to make a gift to the Lithuanian World Center to support today’s community and future generations.
March 31, 2026
Dear Supporter of the Lithuanian World Center,
Thank you for being part of our community and for continuing to support the Lithuanian World Center with your time, talents, and treasure. Thanks to donors like you, thousands of individuals and families are able to celebrate Lithuanian culture, heritage, and community under one roof here in Lemont. We invite you to support today’s community and future generations by contributing to the Lithuanian World Center 2026 Annual Appeal, which launches today and runs through December 31, 2026.
Each year, the Lithuanian World Center provides affordable space to over 50 Lithuanian organizations and hosts approximately 15 major community events, including traditional Lithuanian celebrations, that attract over 5,000 total attendees. We also maintain and improve our facilities to ensure they are beautiful, welcoming, and accessible for our members and guests. Your support allows us to continue these programs and improvements, benefiting the many individuals and families who rely on the Lithuanian World Center as a vital place where they connect with the Lithuanian community and experience Lithuanian culture.
Responsibly operating the Lithuanian World Center requires a $2 million budget this year. This includes approximately $1.3 million in operating costs and $700,000 in capital improvements. Key facilities projects include the School Wing Roof Replacement, HVAC System Assessment, Picnic Grounds Renovation, Basement Hallway Renovation, Commercial Dishwasher Replacement, and other essential upgrades. To meet this $2 million need, we plan to collect $1 million through a combination of user fees paid by resident organizations and the efforts of our hardworking team to generate income through hall rentals, grants, fundraising events, and investments. We invite your support in helping us raise the remaining $1 million as a community through our 2026 Annual Appeal.
We invite you to continue your active participation in the financial success of the Lithuanian World Center by making a donation to the 2026 Annual Appeal today. We are grateful for every gift, no matter the size, as each donation helps to sustain our vibrant community home. There are many ways to make a contribution, including check, credit card, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfer. We also accept donor-advised fund grants, employer matching gifts, qualified charitable distributions, gifts of securities, vehicle donations, and bequests. To discuss your giving options or if you have any questions, please contact Executive Director Elena Reklaitis by calling (630) 257-8787 or emailing [email protected]. Thank you for your continued commitment to our community and our shared Lithuanian home. Ačiū!
Sincerely,
Marius Polikaitis
Chairman
Dainius Petronis
President
Elena Reklaitis
Executive Director
Learn about the many different ways to financially support the Lithuanian World Center.
Make a one-time or monthly donation via credit card, bank transfer, Venmo, or Paypal.
Set up an automatic monthly donation via credit card or bank transfer.
Donate via Zelle by directing your contribution to the email address [email protected].
Fill out a paper donation form and send a check to the Lithuanian World Center.
Support the Lithuanian World Center through your DAF. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing with the IRS. EIN #36-3541882.
If you are 70.5 or older, consider supporting the Lithuanian World Center with a QCD from your individual retirement account (IRA).
Consider including the Lithuanian World Center in your estate plan. Planned gifts are a meaningful way to create a legacy that supports future generations. Examples include:
Donating appreciated securities can provide significant tax advantages while supporting the Lithuanian World Center. Contributions of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs can often be transferred directly from your brokerage account to ours. To initiate a gift of securities, please contact Elena Reklaitis by calling (630) 257-8787 to receive transfer instructions.
Ask your employer if the Lithuanian World Center is eligible for a matching gift.
Work with our partner CARS to donate your used vehicle and support the Lithuanian World Center.
Have questions about making a gift?
Whether you’re considering a future legacy gift or simply want to talk through your options, we’d be happy to connect. Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch soon. Prefer to speak with someone directly? Call us at (630) 257-8787 during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM).