Throughout its history, the Shrine has always been involved in charitable endeavors. However, in the early 1920s, the membership decided to develop and support an official philanthropy. They fulfilled this desire in the establishment of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Today, the Shrine operates 22 state-of-the-art childrens hospitals. With 19 orthopaedic hospitals and 3 burns institutes where children up to their 18th birthday, regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Shriner, receive excellent medical care ... absolutely free. Since 1922, Shriners have substantially improved the quality of life for approximately 559,000 crippled and burned children. Millions more have benefited as recipients of treatment and techniques developed at Shriners Hospitals.

Shriners Hospitals, located in the United States, Canada and Mexico, are maintained and operated by the Shrine of North America. Patients are never charged for any care or service received at the hospitals; including all outpatient and inpatient care; diagnostic services, surgery, medical care, casts, braces, X-rays, rehabilitation programs, recreation, clothing and continuation of their education. This philanthropy is supported by each Shriner's annual hospital assessment, fund-raising events and by contributions and bequests of our many friends who want to make an "Investment In Humanity" to help improve the quality of life for crippled and burned children. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children through gifts of cash, securities, real estate, life insurance and through provisions in wills or trusts. Please contact the Office of the General Counsel, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607-1435, phone: 813-281-0300, for specific information on how you can share in the care of crippled and burned children. All children from infancy to 18 years of age are eligible for treatment if, in the opinion of the hospital's chief of staff, there is a reasonable possibility that treatment will benefit the child and if treatment at another facility would place a financial burden on the patient's family or guardian. Shriners Hospitals for Children are open to all children regardless of their race, religion, and relationship to a Shriner. There is never a charge to the patient, parent or third party for any service or medical treatment received at Shriners Hospitals. For general admission information for Shriners Hospitals call the toll free number 1-800-237-5055 (in Canada call 1-800-361-7256 and in Florida call 1-800-282-9161).