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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

    • 11/04/2025
    • 10:10 AM
    • 11/14/2025
    • 8:00 PM
    • If you register, we'll reach out to you via your preferred method!
    • 25
    Register


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


    We have lots of little (and big!) hands ready to volunteer through Sunbeam Kids! Can you lend a hand leading those opportunities?

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    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. 

    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.

    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. 

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    We hope you'll consider lending a hand in this way. Our goal is to make this Project Leader role an easy and impactful way to be involved with SBK. This role is 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 & Katie Mleziva


    • 11/22/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Pewaukee Public Library - 210 Main St, Pewaukee, WI 53072
    Register

    Card Making for Deployed Military (& Halloween Candy Collection!)

    Overview:

    Every holiday season since 2004, a group of volunteers in the Milwaukee area has worked to collect and ship cookies to military members far from home. This group has grown over the years and became Operation Home Baked in 2016 when the nonprofit You Are Special took over the effort. Volunteers from all over the Milwaukee area bake cookies, donate Halloween candy to be used in the shipping boxes to protect the cookies, and gather in early December for a busy day of packing care packages of cookies. In 2024, Operation Home Baked shipped 53,364 cookies to deployed military! Since 2020, Operation Home Baked has also partnered with three local veteran organizations to delivery cookies to homeless vets in the greater Milwaukee area. 

    Join us on Saturday, November 22nd from 1:00-2:00 pm as we make thank you cards, letters, and drawings that will be included in these care packages. All ages are welcome and Operation Home Baked is happy to take as many notes as we can make. These cards will add an extra personalized touch of appreciation to go along with the cookies being sent. 

    What to expect:

    We'll start with brief intros and an overview of what Operation Home Baked is. Then we'll get to work on our cards! We'll have a variety of options for card making supplies, paper to write letters, or coloring sheets - something for every level, just bring your creativity! 

    If you have bonus Halloween candy you want to put to good use, feel free to bring it along and I'll deliver it with cards. The candy is used to protect the cookies from breaking during shipping. *No suckers, gum, or pixie sticks please.*

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    This event is open to all ages and we have room for approximately 12 families. Members* will be able to register for the first week, and then we will open any remaining available spots to guests one week prior to the project.  

    What to bring:

    No need to bring any supplies. All needed project materials will be provided by SBK.

    What to wear:

    Feel free to wear your SBK shirt if you have one and bring your lanyard to collect your ribbon if you're a member. 

    Additional information:

    This project will be held in the Community Room of the Pewaukee Public Library. Enter the main doors off the parking lot and the room will be immediately to your left.

    Can't make the project but still want to drop off cards or Halloween candy? Register under "Can't make the project but will drop off ahead!" and we'll send a porch drop off address in Pewaukee. Cards and candy must be dropped off by Sunday 11/23. 

    Project Leader: Amanda Barnhart

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    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 allow others to fill the spot. 

    Thanks 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! 

    • 11/24/2025
    • 12/06/2025
    • Multiple Drop Off Locations Available (see list)!

    At Home Project: Granola Bar & Fruit Cup Collection

    for Blessings in a Backpack

    Overview:

    Blessings in a Backpack provides food to kids who struggle with food insecurity by sending them home with a backpack of food over the weekend. Sunbeam Kids is excited to be partnering with Blessings in a Backpack to collect granola bars and individual fruit cups/pouches to help fill the bags. 

    Drop off details:

    We have porch drop off options in Brookfield, Elm Grove, 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 Monday, November 24th - Saturday, December 6th. Any size donation is very much appreciated! 

    Needed items:

    Granola bars and individual serving fruit/applesauce cups. Pouches or individually sized cans are welcome, too. 

    ---

    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 11/24 and 12/6. 

    Project Leader: Helena Zaldivar

    THANK YOU for lending a little hand and helping SBK fill up these backpacks! 

    • 11/30/2025
    • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Wauwatosa Library - Firefly Room: 7635 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa 53213

    Fall Decoration Making for Kathy's House

    Overview:

    Kathy’s House is a hospital guest house committed to providing affordable lodging and caring support in a “home away from home” environment for families who need to travel to Milwaukee for medical care.  There are 38 guest rooms for patients and families of patients to have a place to stay while receiving medical treatment in the greater Milwaukee area.

    Join Sunbeam Kids on Sunday, November 30th from 1:30-3:00 pm at the Wauwatosa Library to make winter themed decorations for Kathy's House. 

    What to expect:

    One way to make Kathy’s House feel homier is to have homemade decorations for the doors of all guest rooms. In this project, we will meet at the Wauwatosa Library to make fall decorations for the doors.

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome and we have room for approximately 12 families at this project.

    What to bring:

    No need to bring any supplies- just some creativity! Kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts and bring their name tag lanyards to collect a ribbon.

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests if space allows after the first week of registration. 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 and make arrangements to have any lunch packing supplies you signed up for covered. 

    A big thanks to our Board member Kristen Donlevy 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! 

    • 12/01/2025
    • 9:30 AM
    • 12/31/2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Your Choice!

    Thank you for your interest. We are happy to be able to open this project to Sunbeam Kids members, friends and the whole community! 

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     It's Back! Our Annual Elves for Elders Art Collection

    Our annual Elves for Elders art collection began in 2013 because we wanted something to do with those adorable art projects that come home from school -- but we can't possibly keep them all, right?

    We knew they were too cute to throw away and hoped we could bring a smile to someone during a tough time.  So, we collected these projects for local Meals On Wheels and Hospice patients so they would have a special "gift" at Christmas. We were happy to meet our goal of collecting 100 pieces of art! 

    Flash forward a few years and we collected over 1000 art projects from individuals, groups, troops and classrooms. Incredible! Each project carefully made its way to someone in hospice, home healthcare, Meals on Wheels or a local nursing home. 

    This year with our December project list full of other in-person projects we decided to change up Elves for Elders a bit to make it flexible for everyone to easily participate. 

    So, here's our ELF CHALLENGE for you -- whether it's art projects you have on hand (no need to be seasonal!) or you create just for this, and whether it's done alone or with a group...gather as many art projects as you can from your family, friends, school, church, etc. and bring them to a local nursing home or assisted living facility.

    You can request that they hand out your projects to the patients who don't get many visitors this time of year.  And, you could even ask at the front desk if there is an opportunity for you and your child(ren) to hand them directly to the residents. Note: it's never a bad idea to call ahead.  

    Before or during your drop off, you can post your pictures on social media and tag @sunbeamkids with the hashtag #ElvesForElders. We'll feature some of your posts on our page to share the love!  We LOVE to see your artwork. 

    While there is no physical meetup for this project, sign up to let us know you are planning to lend a little hand while spreading a little cheer! You can be the "lead elf" for your friends, family, troop, or group! 

    Thank you for lending a little hand, 

    Sunbeam Kids

      • 12/03/2025
      • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
      • Brookfield Public Library - 1900 N. Calhoun Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005

      Christmas Decoration Making for LindenGrove

      Overview:

      LindenGrove New Berlin provides a range of care for residents from rehab and skilled nursing to assisted living and memory care. We can make a difference to the residents in assisted living and memory care by making some seasonal decorations to brighten up the hallways. The residents will love knowing the decorations were made by little hands and caring hearts! 

      Join us on Wednesday, December 3rd from 5:00-6:00 pm as we make Christmas decorations that will be hung on bedroom doors at LindenGrove. Feel free to come a few minutes late if needed as this project is flexible and we know after school timing can be tricky. 

      What to expect:

      We'll start with brief intros and an overview of what LindenGrove is. Then we'll get to work on our Christmas door decorations!

      Capacity & Age Recommendations:

      This event is open to all ages and we have room for approximately 12 families. Members* will be able to register for the first week, and then we will open any remaining available spots to guests one week prior to the project.  

      What to bring:

      No need to bring any supplies, just bring your creativity! All needed project materials will be provided by SBK.

      What to wear:

      Feel free to wear your SBK shirt if you have one and bring your lanyard to collect your ribbon if you're a member. 

      Additional information:

      This project will be held in the Community Room of the Brookfield Public Library. Enter the main doors off the parking lot and the room will be immediately to your right.

      Project Leader: Amanda Barnhart

      REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

      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 allow others to fill the spot. 

      Thanks 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! 

      • 12/16/2025
      • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
      • Ben Franklin Elementary School: N81W14701 Franklin Dr, Menomonee Falls, WI

      Blessings in a Backpack

      Overview:

      Everyone deserves to have access to good food. Blessings in a Backpack provides food to kids who struggle with food insecurity by sending them home with a backpack of food over the weekend. Sunbeam Kids will be joining the Blessings in a Backpack team on Tuesday, December 16th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm to help pack the backpacks.

      What to expect:

      We will be filling bags with donated food in an assembly-line fashion so that it can be distributed to kids who need it.

      Capacity & age recommendations: 

      All ages are welcome. We have room for about 2-3 SBK families depending on the size of families that register (please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason).

      What to wear: 

      All you need to do is wear your SBK t-shirts (if your kiddos are willing)! 

      Parking information: 

      Please park in the parking lot near the baseball fields and enter via the side door located there. The room we'll be working in is just inside that door to your left. They sometimes start a couple of minutes early!

      Project Leader: Helena Zandivar

      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 SBK Board Member Helena Zandivar 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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