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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

  • Packing Hygiene Kits for Hanan Refugees Relief Group

    • 05/03/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Waukesha Public Library - 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186
    Register

    Packing Hygiene Kits for

    Hanan Refugees Relief Group

    Overview:

    Hanan Refugees Relief Group (Hanan RRG) is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit established in 2016 to provide long and short-term support services to the refugee population. Focus is on building trust by respecting and honoring the client's home culture and providing tools to succeed in their host community. Hanan RRG offers a wide variety of programs including resettlement services, ESL classes, mentoring programs, employment services, on-site food pantry, community events, and much more. 

    One of the services Hanan RRG provides is providing hygiene kits to refugees with some basic self-care items. We will gather on Saturday, May 3rd from 11 am - 12:30 pm to pack these kits together. 

    What to expect:

    We'll start with a brief explanation of Hanan Refugees Relief Group and how we're supporting their work, then we’ll get to work on the hygiene kits. The first portion of our project will be spent writing positive notes and drawings to include in the bags, and then we'll pack them assembly line style with the remainder of our time. Let's see how many kits we can make together! 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome and we have for about 12 families at this project. 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:

    In order to make this project a success, we are asking all families who register to commit to bringing items to pack, no matter how big or small. Bringing supplies to donate helps kids personally connect to the project, knowing the item(s) they brought are helping other families. NOTE:  If you would like to participate but are unable to bring items, please let us know via email (confidential) and we will buy supplies on your behalf. We just want to make sure we have enough supplies to pack.

    Please use this Sign Up Genius link to note what supplies and quantity you’ll be bringing. 

    Unable to attend?

    If you are unable to attend in person but would still like to contribute some hygiene kit supplies, we will have a bin drop off location in Waukesha though 5/2. Please register with the ticket type “We will drop off hygiene kit supplies!”. The drop off address is included in the confirmation e-mail. Use the Sign Up Genius link above and include “bin drop off” in the notes. Please note that anyone attending the project in person is welcome to bring their supplies along that day. 

    Project Leader: Umbareen Jamil

    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! 

    Show details

  • Sensory-Friendly Project: Partner Project with Autism United of WI

    • 05/04/2025
    • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • New Berlin Public Library: 15105 W Library Ln, New Berlin, WI 53151
    Register

    Join us for a special sensory-friendly project with Autism United of WI

    Overview:

    Join us Sunday, May 4th from 1:30-2:30 pm for a special sensory-friendly project supporting Autism United of WI (formerly Southeast Wisconsin Autism Society). Autism United of WI has been serving our communities for almost 50 years. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for each child, teen and adult on the Autism Spectrum as well as their families.

    At this project we will be working on fidget keychains and small craft kit bags that Autism United will use at their upcoming community engagement events! In an effort to provide a more comfortable experience for ALL kids, we will have two spaces available at the library, including one that kids can take a sensory break in as needed away from the larger group with fidgets, etc.  

    What to expect:

    We will begin with a brief talk from Bill Robarge, a current member of the Autism United Board. He will be speaking to the kids about what Autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD) are, as well as what services Autism United provides for families. We will then have project stations spread out throughout the Community Room. The set up will be very laidback for kids to move at their own speed with their family. If a kid isn’t connecting with the project and would rather move on to a different station, we understand!

    We will have two different projects to take part in--making small self-contained craft kits for the community engagement events Autism United hosts as well as creating fidget keychains to give to kids who may benefit from them. If a kid wants to make more than one keychain to take along for themselves or a friend, we welcome that too! This event will be designed to be as flexible as possible so we can pivot as needed.

    As mentioned we have two spaces reserved at the library, however they are directly across the hall from each other so families can easily move back and forth as needed. The Community Room will be where most of the action happens, and we will have project supplies in the Heritage Room as well for kiddos that would prefer a less busy space or need a more sensory-friendly space with lower lighting, fidgets, etc. 

    In the days leading up to the project, we will send registrants a social story to share with your kids if they would benefit from having a more detailed vision of the project and space ahead of time.

    Registration note:

    We are excited to plan this project specifically to include kids that may otherwise have a hard time participating in certain projects due to sensory-processing challenges. We want to build ALL kids’ confidence they can make a big difference through SBK! All families are welcome at this project, whether you have a child that would benefit from a more sensory-friendly environment or you just want to support the good work Autism United does in our community. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    Open to all ages and abilities! We expect to have room for approximately 12 families, depending on number of people in each family (please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason). Registration will be open to members* only for the first week, then we will open any remaining spaces to non-members.

    What to bring:

    No need to bring anything! Sunbeam Kids will provide all supplies for the projects we’ll be working on. 

    What to wear:

    Kids can wear their SBK t-shirts/lanyards if they would like. 

    Project leader: Amanda Barnhart & Mary Fenelon

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is currently open to members*. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up but our partner is counting on our hands, so if you register and can no longer attend please let us know ASAP so we can work to fill your spot. 

    Special thanks to Autism United of WI for providing extremely valuable insight as we worked to plan this project, and of course 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

  • Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden (Mini Greenhouse Planting!)

    • 05/09/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Green Power Garden: S53W24747 Glendale Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189
    • 3
    Register

    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 9th 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 last year 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 6 weeks and then returning the "greenhouse" of plants in one of three ways:

    1.) Attend our next project at Green Power Garden on Friday 6/20

    2.) Deliver to the garden directly sometime leading up to our project on 6/20

    3.) Drop off at our Project Leader's house in Pewaukee the week leading up to 6/20

    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

    *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: Menomonee Park Spring Cleanup

    • 05/18/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Menomonee Park: W220N7884 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

    Menomonee Park Spring Cleanup

    Overview:

    The weather is getting warmer and more people are getting outside to enjoy all the beautiful parks WI has. Menomonee Park is a 478 acre park located in Waukesha County that offers biking and hiking paths, beaches, camping, and much more. On Sunday, May 18th Sunbeam Kids families will be meeting from 8:30-10:30 am to clean up trash and debris found at Menomonee Park. What a great way to spend some time in nature while helping keep the park clean for all who visit!

    What to expect:

    We'll meet outside the Beach House for quick introductions and housekeeping items. We will then be cleaning up the beach and surrounding areas to remove litter and debris, and picking up trash to reduce pollution. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    Open to all ages, but we will be working outdoors and near the water.

    What to bring:

    Bring gloves, such as gardening gloves, to protect hands while picking up trash. If you have any additional trash pick-up tools, those would be welcome as well. SBK will provide trash bags.  

    What to wear:

    Wear outdoor, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable closed toe shoes. SBK shirts are welcome for those that have them! 

    Other info:

    All SBK families attending will receive free park admission on 5/18 to help with this project. When you register, you will be asked for your license plate number which will be submitted to the Waukesha Country Parks Department.

    The main entrance is on Town Line Rd. Follow the signs for Beach House parking. We will meet outside the Beach house. 

    Additional information:

    If there is light drizzling rain, we will still plan on doing the cleanup. If severe weather is forecasted, you will be sent a cancellation message no later than 7 am the morning of the event.

    Project Leader: Helena Zaldivar

    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 but they are counting on our hands, so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can work to fill your spot. 

    Thank you to our Project Leader Helena Zaldivar 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: Book Sets for Kids Matter

    • 05/18/2025
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Wauwatosa Public Library — Firefly Room (7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213)

    Book Sets for Kids Matter

    Project details coming soon! Registration typically opens 2 weeks prior to the project date. Please sign up for our email list to know when the project goes live. 
    Show details

  • COMING SOON: Sandwich Making for Guest House

    • 05/24/2025
    • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
    • Brookfield Public Library - 1900 N. Calhoun Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005
    • 15

    Sandwich Making for Guest House

    Overview:

    Please join us from 11:45 am - 12:45 pm on Saturday, May 24th to make sandwiches that will be handed out to Guest House of Milwaukee's clients the following day. 

    Guest House provides shelter, housing, education and services to Milwaukee’s homeless who seek to transform their lives with dignity and purpose.

    What to expect:

    We'll start with a brief explanation of Guest House and how we're supporting their work, then we’ll get to work making sandwiches. Guest house serves 200-400 sandwiches daily. We will be dividing up the supplies to make 200 sandwiches & assembling the sandwiches, getting them ready to distribute the next day.

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome and we have for about 8 families at this project.

    Additional information:

    This project will be held in the Community Room at the Brookfield Public Library, the room is immediately to your right as you enter the library from the parking lot.

    What to bring:

    In order to make this project a success, we are asking all families who register to commit to bringing items to pack, no matter how big or small. Bringing supplies to donate helps kids personally connect to the project, knowing the item(s) they brought are helping other families. NOTE:  If you would like to participate but are unable to bring items, please let us know via email (confidential) and we will buy supplies on your behalf. We just want to make sure we have enough supplies to pack.

    Please use this Sign Up Genius link to note what supplies and quantity you’ll be bringing in an effort to provide some variety. 

    What to wear:

    Please wear comfortable clothes and tie long hair back. Kids can wear their Sunbeam Kids shirts if they want!

    Project Leader: Holly Twito

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

    This project is open to members* only, but we will be happy to open up any remaining spots to guests 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. 

    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: Let's Hear It for the Girls! Cheering Section for Girls on the Run 5K

    • 05/31/2025
    • 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • American Family Field

    Cheering Section for Girls on the Run

    Overview:

    On the morning of Saturday, 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 11:30 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! 

    IMPORTANT: All adults (18+) are required to register with GOTR directly (including agreement to a background check) in addition to completing your normal Sunbeam Kids project registration. Please go to the GOTR website HERE to register each family member that is 18+ and select "CHEER STATION - SUNBEAM KIDS" from the category drop down. Registration must be completed by Monday, May 26th. As such, we will close registration for SBK project after 5/26 as well. No additional registration is required for minors.

    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

    *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: Bay View Beach Cleanup

    • 05/31/2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Bay View Beach

    Bay View Beach Cleanup


    Overview:

    All the snow is melted and it's almost time to enjoy the beach! Unfortunately with all this use some trash is inevitably left behind. However, this is where Sunbeam Kids families can help! We will be heading down to Bay View Beach on Saturday, May 31st (rain date Sunday, June 1st) from 1:00-2:30 pm to clean up trash and debris found around the beach.

    What to expect:

    We'll meet at the beach for introductions and housekeeping items. SBK families will then walk the Bay View Beach to clean up trash. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    Open to all ages but must be able to walk for up to an hour on sand, grass, and pavement without limitations or restrictions.

    What to bring:

    Bring gardening gloves (if preferred over exam gloves that will be provided). 

    Each volunteer will need to fill out a Milwaukee County Parks Volunteer Agreement HERE. (This only takes <5min, type in Sunbeam Kids Inc. for the affiliated group). FYI - Sunbeam Kids Inc. does not retain these forms, they get submitted directly to Milwaukee County Parks.

    What to wear:

    Wear outdoor, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. 

    Other info:

    Parking is readily available along Shore Drive and nearby neighborhood streets if needed. A bathroom is available within the Pavilion.

    Additional information:

    • If there is light drizzling rain, we will still plan on doing the cleanup. If severe weather is forecasted, you will be sent a cancellation message no later than 7 am the morning of the event and the event will be rescheduled to Sunday 6/1/25 (same date, timeframe, and location).
    • Latex-free gloves, buckets, grabbers, and trash bags will all be provided courtesy of Keeping Greater Milwaukee Beautiful.
    • Volunteers are not allowed to collect needles, sharps, or otherwise hazardous objects. If found, these items should be reported to staff. 

    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 but they are counting on our hands, so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can work to fill your spot. 

    Thank you to our Project Leader Merissa Lauzon 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: Gardening for Good at Green Power Garden

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

    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! 


    Show details

  • COMING SOON: Fashion Friends at Robyn's Nest

    • 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! 
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  • COMING SOON: Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness

    • 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! 


    Show details

  • COMING SOON: Making Weighted Stuffed Animals for Friends at the SE WI Autism Society

    • 07/16/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Wauwatosa Public Library — Firefly Room (7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213)

    Making Weighted Stuffed Animals for Friends at the SE WI Autism Society

    Overview:

    Join the fun and help transform new or very gently used stuffed animals into weighted stuffed animals for kids and teens with sensory needs! Autism United of Wisconsin (formerly Southeast Wisconsin Autism Society) will use the weighted stuffed animals as raffle prizes, gifts, and prizes for individuals with Autism. We will be getting together Wednesday, July 16th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Wauwatosa Public Library Firefly Room to make these weighted stuffed animals.

    Autism United of WI has been serving our communities for almost 50 years. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for each child, teen and adult on the Autism Spectrum as well as their families. Weighted stuffed animals, weighing between 1 to 5 lbs, offer multiple benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, muscle pain relief, assistance with sensory processing disorders, and positive effects on ADHD and Autism. 

    What to expect:

    Volunteers will be turning regular stuffed animals into weighted stuffed animals by carefully opening a seam, filling the stuffed animal with weighted material, and resewing. No experience needed- we're happy to instruct everyone as we go! 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    This project is appropriate for all ages. Registration will first be open to member families* and then we will open it up to guests if space allows. We expect to have room for approximately 5 families. 

    What to bring:

    If you have a new or very gently used stuffed animal(s) you can donate, please bring one along (we will have a few extras to share if needed). We do ask that all stuffed animals are of average size. The stuffed animal would need to be able to sit in the lap of a child while they are at their school desk. We will have some stuffed animals available but encourage everyone to pick an animal their kid would love to receive in a hope to provide a variety of options so the students can hopefully find one they can connect with. SBK will provide all other materials needed. 

    What to wear:

    Kids can wear their SBK shirts/lanyards if they are willing.

    Additional information:

    This project will be held in the Firefly Room which is located on the first floor of the Wauwatosa Public Library. 

    Project leader: Kristen Donlevy

    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 fill your spot. 

    A big thanks to our Board Member Kristen 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! 

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Address:
PO Box 1854
Brookfield, WI  53008

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