Sunshine Place 2025 Impact by the Numbers

As we look back on program numbers from the past year, what stands out is a continued upward trend in demand for Sunshine Place programs, with an increase of 11,450 service touchpoints from 2024. Below are a handful of program statistics that show the very real need in our community for programs like ours, and that highlight the enormous amount of time our amazing volunteers put in, to make those programs a success.
(*Click the image below to make it bigger).  

Help us continue to support our neighbors in need through our programs in the year ahead! Click below to make a one-time or recurring gift.

Our 2026 Purse Bingo Event Recap

Our staff and volunteers had such a blast hosting Purse Bingo at The Round Table to kick off the new year. Huge thanks to the 270 people who bought tickets! You showed up for Sunshine Place in a BIG way. Together we raised over $11,000 to support Sunshine Place programs that provide essential services to our neighbors in need.

We are also grateful to our amazing volunteer, Heather, for all of her work helping plan this event, and to the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council #4879 members for all of your support running the bingo game.

Thank you all again for your support, and we hope to see you at next year's Purse Bingo event!

Valentine's Donation Drive: "Love Your Hair"

In the week leading up to (and on) Valentine's Day, we are encouraging donations of shampoo and conditioner to our pantry program. Being able to clean your hair is not only a basic dignity, it is a health and wellness issue.We are seeking donations for a variety of hair types and textures, so that our pantry shoppers have the chance to show their hair some love. Since we rely entirely on donations to stock shampoo and conditioner for our shoppers, your donation has a HUGE impact! Stay tuned to our social media for more info as the week approaches, and reach out to info@sunshineplace.org if you are a business looking to host a drive. We would love to partner with you! 

Program Story Spotlight: 

"Hello! Years ago Sunshine Place fed me when I was unemployed, so I know that donations traditionally drop off after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please use this $300 check to buy food to feed others. It's just my way of paying back a small portion of how your organization and volunteers helped me out so much when I was in dire need. And, without asking me for anything in return or looking down on me. I'm just so grateful for all that Sunshine Place does, especially with your food pantry. Kudos to you all! Keep up the good job!"

-  Former Sunshine Place pantry shopper

Are you a Sunshine Place client, volunteer, or donor with a story to share? Send your stories to socialmedia@sunshineplace.org or, fill out our online story form. All stories stay anonymous unless otherwise requested by a client.

C.A.R.D.S. Closet Needs

Sunshine Place's C.A.R.D.S. Closet kid's clothing program provides referred families with a FREE, private, dignified, 30-minute shopping appointment for their children, 4 times a year. C.A.R.D.S. Closet is currently accepting all winter clothing donations, but our biggest need right now is ALL school-age sizes of winter boots and snowpants, and men's sweatpants. Winter gear can be gently used/like new, purchased in-store, or ordered online through our wishlist. Scan the QR code below or click here to see our wishlist. 

(All donations can be dropped off inside the C.A.R.D.S. Closet donation bin at 1632 W. Main St., open Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM) 

Click here to learn more about C.A.R.D.S. Closet or click the button below and choose "C.A.R.D.S. Closet" from the donation options drop-down to donate funds directly to the program.

Staff Spotlight: Leticia Hockenberry, 
Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator

Time working at Sunshine Place:
Since April 2022.

What is one of your favorite memories from working here? 

My favorite memory was last year when volunteers came together to do a free prom dress pop up. It was so cool to see how excited students were to pick out their own dress, shoes and jewelry! One girl even cried because she was so excited. To this day, when I see her mom in the pantry, she thanks me for having the event. Our amazing volunteers made so many students and parents happy! 

What do you wish more people knew about Sunshine Place and/or about your role here? 

I wish people knew how much time goes into the programs that are run by volunteers. I’ve been very grateful this past year to learn more about our volunteer-based programs that are under the Sunshine Place umbrella and WOW! We truly do have the best volunteers that go above and beyond to run these programs! 

What can people find you doing when you're not at work?  

I love volunteering in the community.  I love going to local coffee shops! I love concerts!  

What is a fun fact about you that may surprise people? 

My fun fact would be that I have an amazing community that supports what I do. This past year for my 35th birthday I did a new underwear drive for C.A.R.D.S Closet, a program of Sunshine Place. I thought I would raise $100-$200 but in a few days over social media, my community showed up. I was able to raise over $3,300! I was blown away! Guess I’m the underwear queen now! 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

We are so grateful to the groups, businesses, and individuals who have recently volunteered, donated, and organized drives or events to support our mission. Sunshine Place programs are possible thanks to our community’s generosity and commitment to helping one another.

Below are just a few photo highlights showcasing recent support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more stories of impact and kindness.

A record number of families and individuals are turning to us for help with food, housing, and other essential needs. Your support ensures our neighbors can find hope and help at Sunshine Place when they need it most. Thank you!