'Tis the Season for Our Spirit of Giving Program

Above: Spirit of Giving Volunteers help organize family gifts into holiday bags.

We are well into November, and frost creeping in to sparkle across piles of leaves each morning hints that winter is nearly here. It also means that Sunshine Place’s Spirit of Giving program is BACK for its 13th year, matching families in need of gifts for their children during the December holiday season with community members who want to help. 

special, while sponsors, Sunshine Place staff, and volunteers, look forward to being a part of the joy this program provides. Family registration for Spirit of Giving is closed for the season, but sponsorships have just begun!

basic details like age and gender of each child, along with gift ideas. When sponsors select a family, they are committing to spend approximately $50 on gifts for each child in that family. Once someone has signed up to sponsor a family, they will receive an email with further instructions about how and where to drop off gifts for their chosen family. Sponsorships remain open until every family registered has a sponsor. 

Why Sponsor a Family?

For over a decade Spirit of Giving sponsors have provided local families with meaningful gifts for their children to brighten their holiday season. Not only do these families receive gifts for their children, the adults in the family are able to know that at least a few gifts are covered, so they can put their money towards other essential needs. Every child whose family celebrates this time of year should have the opportunity to be a part of the traditions that surround December holidays. With your help we can give them that chance.

Are you ready to be a part of the Spirit of Giving magic this year? Sponsor a family (or 2!) by clicking the button below.

Program Story Spotlight: Spirit of Giving

"I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible gifts you donated and the outstanding organization of the Spirit of Giving program. As a full-time worker with two young kids, navigating the challenges of inflation and rising living costs has been particularly tough for us. Your generosity has been a beacon of light in our lives, making it possible for us to provide for our family during these difficult times.

The morning of gift pick-up was especially poignant for me. Seeing the line of cars filled with people in need, I couldn't help but shed tears. Being on the receiving end after as I always imagine being on the giving side was an emotional experience. 

Upon arriving home and opening the carefully packed giant gift bag, the attention to detail moved me to tears once again. The handles taped to prevent the bag from breaking symbolized the care and thoughtfulness put into ensuring that these weren't just any gifts, but meaningful symbols of love for my children.

I want to express my deepest appreciation to the donating family for choosing gifts that were not only thoughtful but also exactly what I would have picked for my kids. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our family, and we will forever be grateful for the warmth and generosity you've shared.

May your kindness and compassion come back to you in abundance. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

- Mother of Spirit of Giving gift recipients

Are you a Sunshine Place client or volunteer 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.

We are so Thankful for YOU, Our Supporters!

*Click the image above to view our thank you video on Facebook*

As uncertainty surrounding the future of FoodShares (SNAP) caused panic for many families in our community this month, we were absolutely floored by the massive outpouring of support from people like you. Sunshine Place’s Sun Prairie Food Pantry program saw a significant increase in financial and in-kind donations, an influx of community and business-led pantry product drives, and many new people interested in becoming a Sunshine Place volunteer. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you one more time for your support of the people in our community who rely on FoodShares to get by, and who turned to pantries when those became unavailable. FoodShares are currently back in Wisconsin, but recipients remain worried about the future and there are lingering effects for families who did not know when they would receive those benefits. Sunshine Place’s food assistance and other essential needs programs will continue to be there for the families that need us, and we cannot do that without your support. Click here to access our food pantry page and to see a full list of food support programs Sunshine Place offers in addition to the pantry.

Thanksgiving baskets are one of our food assistance programs we have seen incredible support for this year, and those items are currently being distributed to pantry shoppers so they can have a family meal. Thank you again to our primary Thanksgiving Basket supporter, Bank of Sun Prairie, and to everyone else who donated. If you would like to support Sunshine Place programs like this one, click the button below, or host a donation drive for pantry products, C.A.R.D.S. Closet, or The Bed Lady, which are all programs of Sunshine Place. Thank you again, for stepping up to support our neighbors during these challenging times.

Every donation makes a difference, but recurring donations that give a set amount on a regular basis allow us to plan ahead for programming and immediate needs more intentionally. Every day, neighbors in need turn to us for help with food, housing, clothing, and other essentials. Recurring donations play an important role in sustaining our programs more effectively and efficiently. Click here to become a recurring donor today! 

C.A.R.D.S. Closet Needs Waterproof Winter Gloves!

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 waterproof winter gloves of ALL sizes, for school-age kids. Gloves can be gently used/like new, purchased in-store, or ordered online through our wishlist. Let's give more kids a chance to play in the snow while their hands stay warm and dry!

(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: Charlotte Kuchan, 
Program Manager

Time working at Sunshine Place:
"I started in March of 2020 when the state of WI shut down due to COVID." 

What is one of your favorite memories from working here? 

“It’s hard to choose just one. My favorite part of working at Sunshine Place is being surrounded by caring, dedicated people—staff, volunteers, and community members alike. The people truly make this place special. 

Each year, I especially enjoy Infopalooza. Seeing all the planning come together and watching the community connect with organizations that help them thrive is incredibly rewarding.” 

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

“I wish more people knew how many programs we run or support—from partnerships with the school district and Colonial Club to initiatives like holiday gifts and prom dresses. Every program began because someone saw a need in the community and took action. I also wish more people knew the history of Sunshine Place and the passion that continues to drive its mission today."

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

"Hanging out with my family, (I have a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old), thrifting, or working out."

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

"I love to travel. My all time favorite spot is Switzerland. My next bucket list is somewhere in Asia or Belize."

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.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors