Sunbeam Kids upcoming events

Spring 2026 SBK New Project Leader Info (05/01/2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Sunbeam Kids Board invites you to learn more about becoming a Project Leader!

Have a little more time in the summer or a teen looking to get more leadership experience? We have lots of little (and big!) hands ready to volunteer through Sunbeam Kids! Can you lend a hand leading those opportunities?

------------------------

The short version... We are all volunteers, and SBK can plan as many projects each month as we have adult volunteers to lead them. This could be a turn-key project we've done before and you are primarily the SBK host greeting families and taking attendance, or a new idea that may take a little planning on your part (but with our guidance and all member communications taken care of through our system).

Either way, if you love to make good things happen and make people feel welcome, we want to talk with you!

Want more details before you sign up to learn more?

Why be a Project Leader?

Being a project leader is a great way to get more involved in the community and meet other SBK families, but without a big commitment. This is a very flexible role, we just ask that you lead at least 2 projects per year.

You can put a project on SBK's calendar that fits your family's schedule and geographic area best. Plus, it's a great way for your kids to help you plan and lead!

What to expect:

When you register, you will be asked for the best way to reach you to discuss further. We'll be in touch to share more information on this role, answer any of your questions, and see if it's the right fit.

Note: This is not a specific date commitment- we will reach out to each interested person individually.

Frequently asked questions regarding leading a project:

What is the time commitment? We ask leaders to coordinate two projects a year at minimum. These can be as easy as coordinating a date at an established turnkey project partner and showing up, or the project could be something more planning-heavy. True time commitments vary widely depending on the project, but it could be as little as a half hour of planning and 1.5-2 hours on day of the project.

Who handles communications? All project communication will be done by us. You will provide any needed info during the planning process, and emails will be handled directly through our system.

Are project expenses covered? Yes, we do have a small budget for covering project expenses (part of what our membership fees are used for!). Project expenses must be approved ahead, and we will provide instructions on how to be reimbursed or have the supply costs covered up front.

Are there specific projects or topics that need a leader? Yes! We strive to offer a wide variety of organizations and causes for SBK families to get involved with through our projects. As of right now, some categories we are light on include food pantries/community resources, working with animals, projects supporting the elderly, adaptive sports, and a variety of other more specific opportunities. We have established connections in all these areas, we just need more leaders to keep these projects in our rotation. We're always open to new projects and connections as well!

Can preteens or teens participate as leaders? We love giving our older kids a chance to build and showcase their leadership skills. They're welcome to lead with adequate adult support! Please note if you have a youth leader interested when registering so we can respond with that specific information.

------------------------

Other specific SBK needs besides leading projects:

- Technology: assistance exploring & implementing a new project management and membership software platform

- Membership: assisting with various tasks and communications related to membership in partnership with SBK membership board member

- Expand social media content opportunities

- Partner with board members to more fully develop teen-specific opportunities through SBK

All are very flexible commitments and would work closely with SBK's board for guidance. If interested in hearing more about the board's vision for any of these categories, register to this project and note one which area may match your skills and interest.

------------------------

We hope you'll consider lending a hand in one of these ways. Our goal is to make this Project Leader role an easy and impactful way to be involved with SBK, as well as find ways to match members unique skills to fill SBK's general needs. These roles are essential in keeping SBK's work going strong to make a positive difference in our community while we also help give kids confidence they can make a difference.

Thank you for considering!

Amanda Barnhart

Fashion Friends at Robyn's Nest (05/04/2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 21:45:00 GMT

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 Monday, May 4th from 4:45-5:45 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. 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 items at Robyn's Nest right now are spring/summer children's clothing. Toiletry items (Toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, shampoo & conditioner and baby wipes) are always needed as well. You're welcome to bring any of 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: Nhu Arn

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 Nhu 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!

Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden (Mini Greenhouse Planting!) (05/15/2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden:

Mini Greenhouse Planting

Overview:

We are excited for our first trip of the season to Green Power Garden on Friday, May 15th from 5:30-6:30 pm! We'll be making mini greenhouses to give the plants a good start before we plant them in the garden in June.

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:

Each family will be planting a "greenhouse" in plastic tub to take home for a few weeks to care for the baby cucumber and watermelon plants until they're ready to be planted in the garden in June. Kids had so much fun in past years caring for the plants and watching them grow each day!

Please note that if you attend, you will be committing to caring for the baby plants (Molly at Green Power Garden will give us all the instructions we need!) for approximately 4 weeks and then returning the "greenhouse" of plants in one of three ways:

1.) Attend our next project at Green Power Garden on Friday 6/19

2.) Deliver to the garden directly sometime leading up to our project 6/19

3.) Drop off at our Project Leader's house in Pewaukee the week leading up to the project

Capacity & Age Recommendations:

All ages are welcome at this project, and we are able to bring up to 10 families to this project.

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

COMING SOON - At Home Project: Snack drive for Shechem at Hope Street (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

At Home Project: Snack drive for Shechem at Hope Street

Overview:

Hope Street describes itself as "The Greenhouse for People on 26th and Capitol" that provides housing and community to empower broken men, women, and children. Shechem is a community center next door to Hope Street with a gymnasium, café, classrooms, event space, and a resource room that has a thriving after-school program for middle- and high-schoolers..

Drop off details:

We have porch drop off options in Brookfield, Greendale, Menomonee Falls, Pewaukee, and Wauwatosa. Specific addresses of all drop off locations will be e-mailed upon registration. You can drop off at any of the designated locations between Saturday, May 16th - Thursday , May 28th. Any size donation is very much appreciated!

Needed items: Coming soon!

---

To participate, please register with the link above (guests are welcome to participate as well). We will e-mail you a list of drop off addresses with your registration confirmation, and you can drop off any of the above items between 5/16 and 5/28.

Have a youth leader that wants to make a bigger impact? Kids can reach out to their sports teams, clubs, local groups, etc. to coordinate a snack drive within their group and deliver to one of SBK's drop off points by 5/28.

Project Leader: Vanessa Eisenmann

THANK YOU for lending a little hand and helping SBK provide snacks to Shechem!

SBK Booth Helpers at MindfulMe (Two Shifts Available!) (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

SBK Booth Helpers at MindfulMe - Mental Health Resource Fair

Overview:

Did you know that volunteering is regularly cited as one of the top ways to reduce stress and improve mental health? For this reason, Sunbeam Kids has been asked to host a booth in Birch & Banyan's 3rd annual MindfulMe - Mental Health Resource Fair. The goal of the event is to bring together local organizations, practitioners, and wellness advocates to help individuals discover tools, services, and connections that support mental well-being at every stage of life. MindfulMe has become a community-centered mental health resource initiative designed to make support easier to find and less intimidating to access. This event is put on by the local coffee shop Birch & Banyan and has grown significantly in the past three years since it's inception. Over seventy local organizations will participate in this event with something for everyone including various mental health resources, live music, food trucks, therapy dogs, live yoga sessions, and more. See event website HERE.

What to expect:

SBK will be hosting a booth during the mental health resource fair. We will be acting as ambassadors of Sunbeam Kids, and encouraging attendees to join us in a service project for the Elmbrook Humane Society. We will be working on dog toys and snuffle mats. Both animals and volunteering can have a positive impact on mental health!

We will have two difference shifts for this event (10:30 am -12:30 pm and 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm). A SBK project leader and their family will also be at the booth during the entire event so there will be a back up if kids need a break to walk around the fair or use the bathroom.

Capacity & Age Recommendations:

Any age is welcome at this project. We have room for about one family for each shift, but we may be able to include two families at each shift depending on family size so please join the waitlist if the spots are filled.

What to bring:

SBK will take care of bringing all the booth set-up and project supplies.

What to wear:

Dress comfortably for the weather that day as this event will take place outdoors. Kids should wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts if they are willing.

Parking information:

More information regarding parking and specific booth location will be provided when we receive it from Birch & Banyan.

Project leader: Mary Fenelon

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests if 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 Mary for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!

Amanda Barnhart

Board President

COMING SOON - Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness (05/27/2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness

Overview:

On Wednesday, May 27th 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: Emily Tigert

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 Emily for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!

Amanda Barnhart

Board President

COMING SOON - Sorting & Rescuing Food at Just One More Ministry (05/30/2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Sorting & Rescuing Food at Just One More Ministry

Overview:

Just One More Ministry (JOMM) is a food rescue program that began back in 2008. The organization receives prepared foods, bakery, produce, and nonperishable donations from numerous businesses and redistributes it to over 90 Milwaukee area churches, food pantries, and homeless organizations.

This project has been a favorite among SBK families and we are excited to be back again on Saturday, May 30th from 8:30 to 10:30 am!

What to expect:

Our tasks may change based on their most immediate needs to get food out the door, but we expect to be assembling outreach bags of food.

Capacity & Age Recommendations:

Any age is welcome at this project. We have space for approximately 3-4 families to sign up, dependent on the size of the SBK families attending (please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason).

What to wear:

This is an indoor warehouse so dress appropriately for the weather. Kids are welcome to wear their SBK shirts/lanyards if they would like.

Parking information:

The JOMM facility is located in an industrial park with warehouses. From Capitol Drive, turn north onto 1st St., which becomes Lydell St. Use your phone's navigation as there is not good signage from the road. The warehouse is set back from the road; it is a white building painted blue at the top.

Project Leader: Mary Fenelon

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests of 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 Mary for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!

Amanda Barnhart

Board President

COMING SOON - Let's Hear It for the Girls! Cheering Section for Girls on the Run 5K (05/31/2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Cheering Section for Girls on the Run

Overview:

On the morning of Sunday, May 31st, the streets & parking lot surrounding American Family Field will be bursting with girls and young ladies running! We will be cheering on the runners of Girls on the Run of Greater Milwaukee at American Family Field, home of your Milwaukee Brewers. GOTR's mission is "we inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running." We can help inspire the participants...and our own kids!

Join us to make some noise and cheer on these girls who are working hard to be their best and celebrate this big accomplishment for them. We'll be on site from 8 am to 10:30 am running one of the cheer stations along the 5K course! Note: End time may be slightly earlier depending on where our cheering station is located on the course.

What to expect:

We will meet as a group at 8 am (we'll send a specific meeting spot prior to the event) and walk to our cheering station together. Once the 5K begins, we'll channel all our energy into cheering for the runners and their running buddies as they pass by!

Capacity & age recommendations:

Any ages are welcome and we are happy to bring as many families along that would like to participate- including guests!

What to bring:

There is no need to bring anything specific- your energy and cheering voice are what's most needed! However, if you're looking for ways to boost the fun for the girls running, pompoms, music, signs cheering them on, bubbles, noise makers, family-friendly costumes/inflatables, etc. are exciting additions to the cheer section as well. Whatever you can think of to help pump up the energy!

What to wear:

Dress for the weather since the 5K does take place outside. Sunbeam Kids shirts are welcome! Expect to be outside for the whole length of the event.

Additional info:

GOTR knows we are bringing kids so they intend to give us one of the closer cheering spots. Feel free to bring a wagon or stroller though if you think that may be easier for little legs getting to SBK's cheering station.
Check out the GOTR website HERE for more general 5K information.
There are bathrooms available, but they may be a walk from the cheering station depending on where we are stationed.

Project Leader: Jeff Davidson

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

This project is open to members* and guests who would like to try a Sunbeam Kids 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 our Board Member Jeff Davidson for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!

Amanda Barnhart

Board President

COMING SOON - Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden (06/19/2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden

Overview:

We're heading back to Green Power Garden on Friday, June 19th 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 learn how to transplant the baby plants that SBK families are growing following our May 15th project, however you do not need to have attended the May 15th project to join us on this date!

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:

Project Leader: Amanda Barnhart

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.

Thank you for lending a little hand!

Amanda Barnhart

Board President

COMING SOON - Diaper Duty Calls! Sorting at Milwaukee Diaper Mission (07/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Diaper Duty Calls! Packing Orders at Milwaukee Diaper Mission & Diaper Collection

Overview:

Did you know... A third of families in Milwaukee struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry, and healthy and 68% of families with children in Milwaukee qualify for low-income status, yet no state or federal government assistance programs (like SNAP and WIC) supplies these families with diapers. That is why Sunbeam Kids is thrilled to be partnering with Milwaukee Diaper Mission to spend time packing diaper and baby wipe orders in the warehouse on Wednesday, July 22 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.

Capacity & Age Recommendations:

All ages are welcome. We have space for approximately 4 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 are welcome to wear their SBK shirts/lanyards if they are willing. Closed toe shoes are required since this project takes place in a warehouse.

Project Leader: Rachl Sweet

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

This onsite 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

COMING SOON - Diaper Duty Calls! Sorting at Milwaukee Diaper Mission (10/21/2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Diaper Duty Calls! Packing Orders at Milwaukee Diaper Mission & Diaper Collection

Overview:

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.

Capacity & Age Recommendations:

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

What to wear & bring:

Project Leader: Rachl Sweet

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

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

Amanda Barnhart

Board President