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Ready to Lend a Little Hand? 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Sunbeam Kids! While membership benefits go beyond just in person projects, they are the cornerstone of our work -- we love getting families of all types together to build community, show the kids their collective impact, and give them confidence that they can make a difference by lending a little hand.  

NEW! Our all-volunteer leadership team has been hard at work planning and listing projects here further ahead to give you more notice to save the date. Then, registration typically opens 2-3 weeks prior to a project start date. Most projects are open to SBK Member families first as a benefit of your membership*, and then we open the registration to guests a few days later if space allows. 

*while we rely on the $40/family/year donation to keep the good work going, we never want that to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If your family would like to request a waiver, we are able to do that no questions asked for a handful of families per year based on a private donation earmarked for that purpose. If that's the reason you haven't joined, please ask! 

Upcoming projects

    • 06/01/2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 06/30/2025
    • Your Neighborhood
    Register

    Let's Make Lemonade!

    Sunbeam Kids is participating in “Lemonade Days” again this year to help Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation move one step closer to finding a cure for all children with cancer!

    You can join in by hosting your own lemonade stand anytime during the month of June, anywhere in the metro Milwaukee area. All the money raised will pay for research to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, and we'd love to see stands all over the area. We'll even share the location of your stand in our efforts to spread the word if you want us to! 

    Everyone is welcome to join this project. Interested in learning more or signing up? 

    Visit this page to register your stand as part of the Sunbeam Kids' team: https://www.alexslemonade.org/2025/sunbeam-kids-lemonade-stand

    Click "Join" in the top right corner of the screen and complete basic information questions to join the team. There are lots of great resources on the website to learn more about Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and help you plan. Last year Sunbeam Kids families raised over $1,100 working together - let's see if we can pass $1,000 again this year!

    In addition to the resources through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (check out the link HERE for some great info), we'll share tips from kids who have had success in the past to help you have a fun and a productive day(s) of fundraising for a cure! 

    We'll be in touch with everyone who signs up, but the links above offer everything you need to get started planning. What a great way to kick off summer :)

    Can't sign up this time? Watch for details on a stand near you or you can click the team link above to make a donation directly toward SBK's team total! 


    • 06/17/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Green Power Garden: S53W24747 Glendale Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189
    Register

    Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden

    Overview:

    We're heading back to Green Power Garden on Tuesday, June 17th from 5:30-6:30 pm to help in the garden. 

    Green Power Garden is a volunteer led program that donates all of their produce to area organizations to get fresh food in the hands of people who need it. One of their main recipients is HOPE Center. 

    What to expect:

    For this project, you will get your hands dirty planting, weeding, and tending a large community garden!

    Volunteers will help with any garden care that is ready to be done- we'll be flexible with whatever help is needed that evening. No gardening experience is necessary. The people that run GPG love to teach kids about gardening!

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome at this project, and we are able to bring as many families out to the garden that day as want to join us! Guests are welcome to join us at this project.

    What to bring:

    Volunteers should bring their own gardening gloves if they have some (GPG has plenty to borrow if not) and water bottles. You may also want to bring bug spray and sunscreen since we'll be outdoors for the entire project.

    What to wear:

    Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty in the garden. Kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts if they want!

    Additional information:

    The garden is located behind a personal residence. Volunteers can park in the driveway (there is space toward the back of the driveway and next to the pole barn), and the project leader will be on the lookout for everyone at the project start time. 

    Project Leader: Melissa Bushman

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    We're happy to welcome guests to the project. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to SBK Board Member Melissa Bushman for leading this project and thank YOU for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 


    • 06/18/2025
    • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    • West Allis Public Library- Constitution Room (ground floor): 7421 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
    • 5

    Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness

    Overview:

    On Wednesday, June 18th join Sunbeam Kids from 4:00-5:30 pm to assist the Mercy Mats volunteers at their regular weekly project preparing materials for sleeping mats for local people experiencing homelessness...made out of plastic bags that may have otherwise ended up in the landfill!

    Volunteers from Mercy Mats of West Allis will help new volunteers learn how to do this work, and then they will later distribute the completed mats to a homeless shelter they work with in Milwaukee. Making one mat is quite labor intensive and takes multiple weeks, but what a difference a mat makes to the person who will receive it!  

    What to expect:

    There is a job for everyone, including sorting bags, flattening bags, making plarn (you guessed it...plastic yard made from the plastic bags!). If you crochet and want to learn to assembling a full mat at home, please find Donna to request information.

    Capacity & age recommendations:

    We have space for 5 SBK families to join, and all ages are welcome (although project itself is generally best for age 3 or older)! 

    What to bring:

    Feel free to bring along any single use plastic bags you have at home (optional). 

    What to wear:

    No special requirements, but kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids t-shirts if they would like. 

    Project Leader: Laura Eisenmann

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests of space allows.  Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to our Project Leader Laura Eisenmann for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 


    • 06/20/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Green Power Garden: S53W24747 Glendale Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189
    Register

    Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden

    Overview:

    We're heading back to Green Power Garden on Friday, June 20th from 5:30-6:30 pm to help prepare the garden and do some planting. 

    Green Power Garden is a volunteer led program that donates all of their veggies to area organizations to get fresh food in the hands of people who need it. One of their main recipients is HOPE Center. 

    What to expect:

    Volunteers will learn how to transplant the baby watermelon and cucumber plants that SBK families are growing following our May 9th project. You do not need to have attended the May 9th project to join us on this date! We'll also be planting summer squash and help with any other garden preparation that is ready to be done. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome at this project, and we are able to bring as many families out to the garden that day as want to join us!

    What to bring:

    Volunteers should bring their own gardening gloves if they have some and water bottles.

    What to wear:

    Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty in the garden. Kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts if they want!

    Additional information:

    The garden is located behind a personal residence. Volunteers can park in the driveway (there is space toward the back of the driveway and next to the pole barn), and the project leader will be on the lookout for everyone at the project start time. 

    Project Leader: Amanda Barnhart

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is open to members* for the first week of registration, and we're happy to welcome guests if we have additional space in the week leading up to the project. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    Thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 


    • 06/23/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • *NEW LOCATION ALERT!* 4900 S Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 200, Cudahy WI 53110

    Diaper Duty Calls! Packing Orders at Milwaukee Diaper Mission

    Overview:

    Did you know... A third of families in Milwaukee struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry, and healthy. Although 68% of families with children in Milwaukee qualify for low-income status, no state or federal government assistance programs (like SNAP and WIC) supply these families with diapers. That is why Sunbeam Kids is thrilled to be partnering with Milwaukee Diaper Mission to spend time packing diaper, baby wipes, and period product orders in MDM's NEW warehouse on Monday, June 23rd from 5:30 to 7:00 pm!

    What to expect:

    Join other SBK families at the Milwaukee Diaper Mission warehouse in Cudahy to pack diaper orders, wrap diapers for future orders, and restock diapers on shelves.

    MDM also has a program to provide period products to individuals in need. When you register, you will be asked if your family is comfortable packing these types of items if needed during our visit. We know families/kids are ready for these discussions at different ages so feel free to select "no" if you would prefer to not have your family pack these kits and we'll make sure to split into two groups as needed. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome. We have space for approximately 4-5 families depending on the size of families that register - please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason. 

    What to wear & bring:

    No need to bring anything to this project, but kids should wear their SBK shirts/lanyards if they are willing. Please dress appropriately as it can be chilly. Closed toe shoes are required since this project takes place in a warehouse. 

    Other:

    If you've participated in this project before, please note the new address. This will be our first project at Milwaukee Diaper Mission's new Cudahy location. 

    Project Leader: Rachl Sweet

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is open to members* only at this time. We are happy to open any remaining spots to guests if space allows approximately one week prior to the project date. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to our Project Leader Rachl for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask!

    • 06/25/2025
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • 620 S. 76th St. Milwaukee (located BEHIND the office building)

    Sorting Clothes for Foster Children at Robyn's Nest

    Overview:

    Robyn's Nest is a program of Children's Hospital (CHW) that supplies new and gently used clothing, hygiene products, infant items, toys, books and other household goods free to the families within the foster care system as well as those identified to have unmet needs through CHW. 

    On Wednesday, June 25th from 4:30-5:30 pm SBK families will be lending a little hand at Robyn's Nest to sort donations for foster families. 

    What to expect:

    Families will gather at Robyn's Nest to lend a hand by sorting items so kids & foster families can easily shop (at no cost!) for the supplies they need. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome at this project, but please note there are no restrooms readily available on site. We expect to have room for approximately 4-5 families at the on site project. Initial registration will be for members only, but we are happy to open registration to guests if we have additional space one week prior to the project date. 

    What to bring:

    The most needed item at Robyn's Nest right now are toiletry items. You're welcome to bring these along if you wish, but no donations are expected/required for participation.

    What to wear:

    Kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts/lanyards if they want.

    Additional information:

    A volunteer application is required to be completed for each individual attending. We will e-mail a copy to all registrants a few days prior to this project. Please bring the completed application with you to the project. 

    Project Leader: Merissa Lauzon

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is open to members* only, but we will be happy to open it up to guests if space allows after the first week of registrations. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to SBK Project Leader Beth for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 




    • 06/30/2025
    • 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • St. Vincent de Paul - Cross Roads Kitchen: 931 West Madison Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
    • 3

    Serving Dinner at St. Vincent DePaul (Ages 7+)

    Overview:

    St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Meal Program has provided hot and nutritious meals to children and adults in the Milwaukee community for the past 40 years. They operate two meal site locations in downtown Milwaukee where individuals can eat for free six nights a week. 

    Join us on Monday, June 30th to prepare and serve a meal to those visiting SVDP's Cross Roads Kitchen meal site. Our start time has some flexibility for this project- we could use some families to arrive as early as 3:30 pm to help set up, but need all families to be onsite by 4:30 pm. We expect to wrap up at 6:30 pm. When you register, you will be asked what time your family is available to arrive that day.

    What to expect:

    We will begin by preparing the meal and getting ready for the guests to arrive. We will then serve dinner when guests arrive, followed by a quick clean up.

    Capacity & age recommendations: 

    Ages 7+ are welcome to participate in this project. We have room for about 3-4 SBK families depending on the size of families that register (please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason).

    What to bring: 

    No need to bring anything. Kids are welcome to wear their SBK t-shirts if they would like, otherwise just wear comfortable clothes for working in the kitchen and serving food. 

    Project Leader: Marlee Jansen

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests if there is available space approximately one week prior to the project date. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to our Project Leader Marlee Jansen for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 

    • 07/09/2025
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • West Allis Public Library- Constitution Room (ground floor): 7421 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
    • 5

    Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness

    Overview:

    On Wednesday, July 9th join Sunbeam Kids from 4:30-5:30 pm to assist the Mercy Mats volunteers at their regular weekly project preparing materials for sleeping mats for local people experiencing homelessness...made out of plastic bags that may have otherwise ended up in the landfill!

    Volunteers from Mercy Mats of West Allis will help new volunteers learn how to do this work, and then they will later distribute the completed mats to a homeless shelter they work with in Milwaukee. Making one mat is quite labor intensive and takes multiple weeks, but what a difference a mat makes to the person who will receive it!  

    What to expect:

    There is a job for everyone, including sorting bags, flattening bags, making plarn (you guessed it...plastic yard made from the plastic bags!). If you crochet and want to learn to assembling a full mat at home, please find Donna to request information.

    Capacity & age recommendations:

    We have space for 5 SBK families to join, and all ages are welcome (although project itself is generally best for age 3 or older)! 

    What to bring:

    Feel free to bring along any single use plastic bags you have at home (optional). 

    What to wear:

    No special requirements, but kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids t-shirts if they would like. 

    Project Leader: Merissa Lauzon

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests of space allows.  Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to our Project Leader Laura Eisenmann for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 


    • 07/23/2025
    • 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM
    • University School Milwaukee - 2100 W Fairy Chasm Rd, River Hills, WI 53217

    Let's Play Ball with Miracle League Baseball

    Overview:

    The Miracle League through the YMCA allows people of all ABILITIES play organized baseball. Players with diverse-ABILITIES dress in uniforms, make plays in the field, and round the bases, just like their peers in standard baseball leagues. 

    This is a great chance for our SBK kids who love sports to play with some new team members, however, no sports experience, equipment, or knowledge of baseball is necessary. Players will have a range of abilities and volunteers age 10+ are paired with a player to assist during the game as player partners. In the past, we even had the chance to dress up as the mascot, Homer!  It's all about making it a great experience for the players and their families.

    This project has been a favorite among SBK families, and we are excited to be headed back to play ball on Wednesday, July 23rd from 5:45 to 7:00 pm!

    What to expect:

    One of the most important elements of a Miracle League game is the "player partner" program. Each player is paired with a friend to assist them on and off the field during a two-inning game.

    Check out this brief video from TMJ4 to see what you can expect. 

    Note: usually there is a formal game, but sometimes when fewer kids show up they do drills instead. Please know that any role your family plays is meaningful to the participants! 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    Player partners must be age 10+ years per the YMCA, but all ages are welcome to come cheer! We have committed to bringing 15 player partners (kids or adults) and can bring as many fans for the cheering section as want to join in the fun. 

    What to wear:

    Dress in clothes comfortable to play ball. We love it when you wear your SBK t-shirts, but player partners typically are offered a YMCA volunteer t-shirt as well if you'd like one. You can bring a baseball glove if you want, but this is not required. 

    Project Leader: Vanessa Eisenmann

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is open to members* for the first week of registration, and we're happy to welcome guests if we have additional space in the week leading up to the projectPlease only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to our Project Leader Vanessa for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    *While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask! 


Address:
PO Box 1854
Brookfield, WI  53008

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