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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

  • (Waitlist) Serving Dinner at St. Vincent de Paul (Ages 7+)

    • 03/08/2026
    • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • St. Vincent de Paul - Cross Roads Kitchen: 931 West Madison Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
    • 0
    Join waitlist

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

    Overview:

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

    Join us on Sunday, March 8th to prepare and serve a meal to those visiting SVDP's Cross Roads Kitchen meal site. Our start time has some flexibility for this project- we could use a family (ideally with a tween/teen able to help with food prep) to arrive as early as 3:30 pm to help set up, but we need all families to be onsite by 4:00 pm. We expect to wrap up around 7:00 pm. When you register, you will be asked what time your family is available to arrive that day.

    What to expect:

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

    Capacity & age recommendations: 

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

    We could use one additional family (ideally with an older child or two) to arrive around 3:30 pm or so to help the staff prepare the food that our group will be serving. 

    What to bring: 

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

    Project Leader: Marlee Jansen

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

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

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

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

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

    Show details

  • Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness

    • 03/11/2026
    • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    • West Allis Public Library- Constitution Room (ground floor): 7421 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
    • 1
    Register

    Making Mercy Mats for People Experiencing Homelessness

    Overview:

    On Wednesday, March 11th 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: Vanessa Eisenmann

    REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. 

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

    A big thanks to our Project Leader 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

  • Fashion Friends at Robyn's Nest

    • 03/12/2026
    • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • 620 S. 76th St. Milwaukee (located BEHIND the office building)
    • 3
    Register

    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 Thursday, March 12th 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: Beth Collins

    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! 
    Show details

  • St. Patrick's Day Decoration Making for LindenGrove

    • 03/14/2026
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Waukesha Public Library 321 Wisconsin Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186
    Register

    St. Patrick's Day 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 Saturday, March 14 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm as we make St. Patrick's Day decorations that will be hung on bedroom doors at LindenGrove. Please note we would like everyone to arrive at 1:30 for directions, but families are welcome to leave early if kids’ attention spans don’t last the full two hours. 

    What to expect:

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

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    This event is open to all ages and we have room for approximately 8 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:

    Please bring some crayons/markers, scissors, and a glue stick if you are able. We will have extras to share as well. If you have stickers or anything crafty you'd like to use to make St. Patricks's Day door decor, those would be a wonderful addition as well! 

    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 Room B of the Waukesha Public Library. Room B is on main level straight back from the main entrance of the library.

    Project Leader: Jenny Loether

    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

  • COMING SOON - Easter Bunny Helpers for the Salvation Army

    • 03/22/2026
    • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Brookfield Public Library Community Room - 1900 N. Calhoun Rd. Brookfield, WI 53005
    • 20


    Easter Bunny Helpers for the Salvation Army


    Overview:

    Hop on over to be an "Easter Bunny Helper" and make baskets for families visiting the food pantry at the Salvation Army in Waukesha! The Salvation Army provides a number of services to the local community including emergency housing, serving meals three nights a week, and running a food pantry. At this project we will be preparing Easter baskets with various treats and surprises which will then be handed out to families visiting the food pantry during the week leading up to Easter. This will be a fun way to spread some extra joy to families utilizing that service. Join us on Sunday, March 22nd from 1:30 to 2:30 pm to make baskets together!

    What to expect:

    While we wait for everyone to arrive, we'll have a simple Easter bunny craft station for kids to make cards that will be included in the baskets. Families will also sort all basket supplies they bring, along with any additional donations we've received ahead of time.  We’ll do a quick intro to meet other SBK families, explain the project, and then we’ll get to work assembling the baskets!

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome at this project. We have space for approximately 15 families. Registration will be open to members only for the first week, and we will open registration for guests if there is room one week prior to the project date.

    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. A great way to include kids is by asking what types of surprises they’ve been excited to receive in an Easter basket or treat bag. 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 the Sign Up Genius link HERE to note what supplies you’ll be bringing in an effort to provide some variety. 

    Unable to attend?

    If you are unable to attend in person but would still like to contribute some basket packing supplies, we will have a bin drop off location in Pewaukee though 3/21. Please register under the "Drop Off" option. The porch drop off address will be included in the registration confirmation email. 

    Project Leader: Amanda Barnhart

    Thank you for lending a little hand! 

    Amanda Barnhart

    Board President

    Show details

  • COMING SOON - Bingo Buddies at LindenGrove New Berlin

    • 03/26/2026
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • LindenGrove New Berlin: 13755 W Fieldpointe Dr, New Berlin, WI 53151

    Bingo Buddies at LindenGrove New Berlin

    Overview:

    BINGO!

    Ready for some intergenerational fun with our new friends at LindenGrove New Berlin? We've had a several offsite projects the last few months making door decorations and cards for residents at LindenGrove, but now we'll get the chance to go meet some of the "grandfriends" that have been enjoying all the artwork we've created. We'll be joining residents right after dinnertime to play a favorite game among all ages... bingo! 

    Join us on Thursday, March 22nd from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm help run the evening bingo game, play some rounds of bingo yourself, and (the biggest win!) spend some time with all the residents looking forward to hosting with our families for some fun together. 

    What to expect:

    Our kids will get a chance to call the bingo numbers, bring prizes over to the winners, play some rounds of bingo, and bring a lot of smiles to everyone there. 

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome at this project, and we can bring approximately 5 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:

    If you would like to bring a few small prizes for bingo winners, those are very welcome but not necessary. 

    What to wear:

    Kids are welcome to wear their SBK shirts if they would like and bring their lanyards if they collect project ribbons. 

    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. 

    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

  • COMING SOON - Serving Dinner at St. Vincent de Paul (Ages 8+)

    • 03/27/2026
    • 3:30 PM - 6:45 PM
    • St. Vincent de Paul - Harambee Kitchen: 2600 N. 2 St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
    • 3

    Serving Dinner at St. Vincent DePaul (Ages 8+)

    Overview:

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

    Join us on Friday, March 27th from 3:30pm to 6:45pm to prepare and serve a meal to those visiting SVDP's Harambee meal site (please note this is a different SVDP location from recent SBK projects).  We expect to wrap up around 6:45 pm. 

    What to expect:

    We will begin by preparing the meal and getting ready for the guests to arrive. We will then serve dinner when guests arrive, followed by a quick clean up. Generally you can expect to be done with your volunteer duties by 6:45 p.m. 

    From SVDP: Each night we are open we do "Circle" all together in the dining room, this generally happens about 5:10 p.m. please try and attend that circle. You will be assigned your dinner duties there, meet all of the staff as well as your fellow volunteers & you will be given the opportunity to pray with our guests before the meal starts.

    Capacity & age recommendations: 

    Ages 8+ are welcome to participate in this project. We have room for about 3 SBK families depending on the size of families that register (please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason).

    What to bring: 

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

    SVDP dress code requires all volunteers to have their legs, feet and under arms covered. If you would rather not wear a hair net, please feel free to wear a ball cap or beanie that keeps your hair tucked into place. They also will require you wear an apron and will furnish you with a plastic disposable apron, if you would rather bring your own, that is wonderful.

    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 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 Mary Fenelon 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 - Decorating Book Bags for Foster Children at Kid's Matter Inc.

    • 04/18/2026
    • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Wauwatosa Library Firefly Room - 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213.

    Decorating Book Bags for Foster Children at Kid's Matter Inc.

    Overview:

    Kid's Matter Inc. helps kids in foster care with everything from advocacy and pro bono legal services to providing comfort items. Their mission is to help all  relatives, siblings, friends and neighbors who want to keep children safe. They are here for community members who see children impacted by abuse, neglect, violent crime and addiction and need help navigating child protection, criminal reporting or just figuring out how to get help.

    On Saturday, April 18th from 9:30 to 10:30 am, SBK families will be lending a little hand to Kid's Matter Inc. by decorating bags that will hold books. Both the foster family and the biological family will be given identical story books so that they can read together over video chat and in the process build a bond.

    What to expect:

    Families will gather at the Wauwatosa Library Firefly room to lend a hand by decorating book bags for foster families and biological families.

    Capacity & Age Recommendations:

    All ages are welcome at this project and their is no limit to the number of participants. 

    What to bring:

    Please bring your creativity! In addition, it would be wonderful if you could also bring 2 identical soft cover books. 

    What to wear:

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

    Project Leader: Kristen Donlevy

    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! 
    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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