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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

  • It's back! Elves for Elders

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

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

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

     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

      Show details

    • (Waitlist) Holiday Helpers at NourishMKE (Ages 10+)

      • 12/20/2025
      • 8:45 AM - 12:45 PM
      • 1615 S. 22nd Milwaukee, WI 53204
      • 0
      Join waitlist

      Holiday Helpers at NourishMKE

      Overview:

      We have been invited to provide some extra hands at NourishMKE's food pantry's holiday party! Treats are served at this annual event and Santa comes to give out gifts to the kids who visit the pantry. It'll be a fun morning to celebrate with NourishMKE's guests and spread some holiday cheer! The holiday party is Saturday, December 20, and we've been asked to help from 8:45 am to 12:45 pm so we'll divide into two shifts. When you register, you'll sign up from 8:45am -10:45am or 10:45am-12:45pm... or both if your family wants to stay for the full party!

      NourishMKE is Milwaukee's largest network of food centers and works to build community through nourishment. They have 4 locations and each year they serve 45,000 individuals and families in need of nourishment and friendship. They also work to reduce food waste and provide food demos and teach gardening to support nutrition and wellness. We will be volunteering at the Mitchell St. Food Center. 

      What to expect:

      We will be helping guests shop for food, restocking shelves, and assisting with other tasks as needed at the annual holiday party. 

      Capacity & Age Recommendations:

      Any age is welcome at this project, although we recommend ages 10+ based on prior experience (lots of time on your feet and a busy environment). We have space for approximately 3 families to sign up for each shift, dependent on the size of the SBK families attending. Please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason. 

      What to bring:

      It is REQUIRED for every adult and child to not only register here with Sunbeam Kids, but also fill out this form from NourishMKE ahead of the project. Please complete the form HERE. Click "Sign Up" at the top and create a volunteer profile for everyone in your family that will be attending. Once you've created your profile, no need to sign up for a specific event on NourishMKE's calendar- they will get you signed in day of when you arrive. 

      What to wear:

      No special attire needed, but feel free to wear something festive or your Sunbeam Kids shirt if you would like!

      Parking information:

      There is plenty of street parking in the neighborhood around this location. 

      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 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! 

      Show details

    • Holiday Event with Shechem at Hope Street (Ages 8+)

      • 12/22/2025
      • 2:45 PM - 4:30 PM
      • Schechem at Hope Street: 2510 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53206
      Register

      Holiday Event with Shechem at Hope Street (Ages 8+)

      Overview:

      Hope Street describes itself as "the Greenhouse for People on 26th and Capitol." It provides housing and community to empower broken men, women, and children to cultivate relationships and to restore hope that flourishing is possible for all. Shechem at Hope Street is a community center with a gymnasium​, café, classrooms, event space, and a resource room and has a flourishing after-school program for youth​. 

      On Monday, December 22nd, Sunbeam Kids is headed to the Shechem Community Center at Hope Street Ministry to host a festive holiday gathering for their tweens and teens! This is a drop in event for the patrons of Hope Street and will be open house style from 3-4:30pm. This project is open to individuals 8 years or older and limited to 6 families. 

      What to expect:

      Sunbeam families are invited to create a "station" for the youth to enjoy at the event. Station ideas include: CRAFTS - such as card making, mini-stocking decorating/filling, cardboard gingerbread house garland, etc or GAMES - such as Minute To Win It games, holiday bingo, etc. SBK participants are encouraged to bring something that they love to do and share it with the youth at Shechem. Families should plan to lead the activity/craft and bring all necessary supplies for approximately 30 attendees. The tweens and teens in attendance are between 9-15 years old.

      Capacity & age recommendations: 

      This event is best for ages 8 years old or older. We have room for 6 SBK families to create a station. This project will be open to members first and any remaining spots will open to guests a week prior to the event. 

      What to bring: 

      Families should plan to bring any materials for the activity/craft/game station they would like to lead.

      We do not want cost of materials to be a hinderance for any family to participate in this project so please email Amanda at projects@sunbeamkids.org if you have a fun idea and want to discuss reimbursement of project materials. 

      What to wear:

      Kids are welcome to wear their SBK t-shirts if they would like, otherwise just wear comfortable or festive clothes. 

      Other info: 

      When signing up, please also visit the project sign up genius HERE to note the game, craft, or activity your family plans to facilitate so that we do not have duplicate stations.

      Project Leader: Kayte Parkin

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

      Thank you for making the holidays merry and bright!

      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! 

      Show details

    • Kinship Urban Garden

      • 12/30/2025
      • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Kinship Urban Farm: 4355 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53212
      Register

      Kinship Urban Garden


      Looking for a way to volunteer as a family over winter break while the kids are off school? Keep reading for a new SBK project opportunity! 

      Overview:

      Grow is Kinship's 27,000 square foot urban hoop house vegetable farm where neighbors harvest thousands of pounds of organic produce to feed the hungry, host educational events, and share community meals.

      On Tuesday, December 20 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am SBK families will be volunteering at the Kinship Urban Garden working in the hoop house. 

      What to expect:

      Exact tasks will depend on what needs to be done in the hoop house that day. Examples of jobs volunteers may help with: weeding, digging, harvesting and carrying things. Volunteers should be able to use basic scissors and weeding tools (trowels), should be able to kneel, carry buckets, and listen to directions well. No power tools will be used during this project.

      Capacity & Age Recommendations:

      All ages are welcome with the number of registrants limited to 20 individuals so please use an accurate headcount when registering. 

      What to wear & bring:

      No need to bring any supplies to this project. Plan to wear winter jackets, boots, etc. to the farm. The temperature in the hoop house can be variable depending on the outside temperature so dressing in layers in recommended. 

      Parking Info: 

      Parking is only available across the street from the Urban Farm. Please drop off as many participants as possible before parking your vehicles(s). Kinship co-occupies this space, so volunteers are unable to use the lots adjacent to the farm. Please refer to the graphic at the bottom of the email for direction to the approved parking spaces. 

      Other info: 

      - All children under 14 must be with their parent or guardian. Minor waiver and consent form needs to be filled out, printed, and brought to the farm - see waiver link HERE. 

      - Kinship Food Pantry asks that each volunteer bring some food items for the pantry. Some suggested items include: broths (chicken, beef, veggie), tuna, soup (chicken noodle, beef stew, veggie options), cooking oil (olive, canola, avocado).

      Project Leader: Mary Fenelon

      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 Board Member/Project Leader Mary 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!

      Kinship-Urban Farm parking map for reference: 


      Show details

    • COMING SOON - Diaper Duty Calls! Sorting at Milwaukee Diaper Mission

      • 01/21/2026
      • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
      • 4900 S Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 200, Cudahy WI 53110

      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, January 21 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

      *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!

      Show details

    • COMING SOON - Diaper Duty Calls! Sorting at Milwaukee Diaper Mission

      • 04/22/2026
      • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
      • 4900 S Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 200, Cudahy WI 53110

      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, April 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

      *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!

      Show details

    • COMING SOON - Diaper Duty Calls! Sorting at Milwaukee Diaper Mission

      • 07/22/2026
      • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
      • 4900 S Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 200, Cudahy WI 53110

      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

      *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!

      Show details

    • COMING SOON - Diaper Duty Calls! Sorting at Milwaukee Diaper Mission

      • 10/21/2026
      • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
      • 4900 S Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 200, Cudahy WI 53110

      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, October 21 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

      *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!

      Show details

    Address:
    PO Box 1854
    Brookfield, WI  53008

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