End of Year Highlights & Reflections

It has been an eventful year at Sunshine Place as we continue to see a steady growth in need across all of our programs. We are so grateful for supporters like you, who continually show up for us, and more importantly, for the people we serve. Whether our neighbors need winter gear, a bed to sleep on, a holiday meal, or extra support with groceries, our community steps up in a BIG way. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for your time, your donations, your food and clothing drives, and for sharing about who we are and what we do with friends and family. So many people in our community not only had a better year, but can envision a better future because of the work that you have helped us accomplish.

We don’t know what 2026 holds, but we do know that with you in our corner we will meet every challenge with the capacity to keep our programs going strong for the people who depend on them. If you are able, there is still time to make a tax-deductible donation to Sunshine Place before the year ends. Click here to learn more about all of our charitable giving options. Your support helps us ensure that our neighbors continue to have access to resources that fulfill their essential needs, allowing them to find joy in their lives now, and to build and plan moving forward.

From all of us at Sunshine Place, thank you for all that you do to support our neighbors in need, and have a happy and healthy new year! 

(*Click the image below to enlarge).

Tickets for Purse Bingo are LIVE and going fast!

Additional Bingo cards, Bingo daubers, food, and drinks will all be available for purchase at the event. Reserve your spot by January 5th to receive an additional raffle ticket! Click the button below to buy your event tickets.

2025 Spirit of Giving Recap

(*Photos by John Kalson)

create and monitor recipient and sponsor sign-ups, label gifts, provide snacks and coffee for other volunteers, run gifts from sponsors and to families in the bitter cold, or just helped spread the word, we are so grateful for your efforts to make this world a little brighter.

One volunteer described families receiving their gifts as "very emotional", and we agree. It is emotional to see families excited to bring gifts home for their children because your part in this program does not just provide gifts for a family's holiday. It highlights the power of community coming together to care for one another when it is needed, because we all need support at some point in our lives. We are so grateful to those of you that joined us in making this year's Spirit of Giving meaningful, and are already looking forward to next year's! Enjoy more photos from Spirit of Giving by clicking here.

Program Story Spotlight: 

"I turned to Sunshine Place for help because I did not know where to begin. Me and my two kids, ages 4 and 2, had been living with my parents. This was a stressful situation for me, my parents, and the kids. I began working with Sunshine Place's case manager, who would meet me at my parents’ place. We started talking about income, rent, credit, arrears, rental history, and more, to figure out what housing barriers my partner and I had.

After about a year of looking for housing, we found it. We were excited and could not believe we were finally getting our own place. It didn’t feel real. We are comfortable here and making the place cozy. The kids are getting beds from Sunshine Place's Bed Lady program and are beyond excited—they are going to be jumping and playing around! Also, thanks to Sunshine Place's C.A.R.D.S. Closet program for helping us out with some clothing! 

I want to thank my case manager for walking through the unit with me and completing the check-in sheet. It helped me feel prepared and more confident. I am so grateful. I still can’t believe it sometimes and have to pinch myself. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do."

-  Sunshine Place client 

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.

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 winter boots and winterized gloves of all school-age sizes. 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: Susan Schmidt,
Director of Development

Time working at Sunshine Place:
About 4 ½ years - I was hired in May of 2021.

What is one of your favorite memories from working here? 

It’s hard to pick a single memory, but I am constantly amazed by how giving our community is. Some of my favorite moments are when kids show up with money earned from lemonade stands or jars of quarters saved to donate because they want to help people. Those moments never get old. 

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

I wish more people knew how volunteer-powered Sunshine Place truly is. An army of community members not only support but also take on leadership roles in our programs. Some volunteer regularly, others occasionally, some individually, and others in groups. All are passionate about being part of something impactful and make everything we do possible.

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

Spending time with my family. I have a 6-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter who keep me busy!

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

My husband and I got married in Las Vegas.

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!