If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.

Student Volunteers Build New Donation Bin for C.A.R.D.S. Closet

	If you’ve seen the new donation bin outside of C.A.R.D.S. Closet, you’ve already glimpsed the incredible work of Team Anjani, a group of student volunteers who built it from scratch to replace our old, weather-worn bin. Over the course of more than 75 hours, the team designed, constructed, and installed the beautiful new bin.

This new clothing donation bin will better serve the C.A.R.D.S. Closet program, which relies on community donations to help local famlies access free children’s clothing and shoes.

The project wasn’t without its challenges. With no existing blueprint or supply list to follow, the team problem-solved their way through material shortages, multiple hardware store runs, and tricky building conditions using imperfect materials. They completed much of the frame in their first month of work, then pushed through the next month to install siding, doors, locks, and a ramp. They also worked to remove the old bin.

Team Anjani also raised the funds needed to complete the $1,200 project. Through a handmade craft sale at the Sun Prairie Multicultural Fair and generous donations from Bollywood of Divas and other team members, they made it happen. Their drive, collaboration, and creativity made this lasting community improvement possible.

Team Anjani contributes in many ways at Sunshine Place, from volunteering at C.A.R.D.S. Closet to organizing fundraisers, donation drives, and assisting with community events. We are so grateful for their ongoing generosity!

Want to donate to C.A.R.D.S. Closet? Donations of gently used, seasonal kids’ clothing and shoes are accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the new bin at 1632 W. Main Street.

Summer Food Fight: A New Food Drive Challenge for Local Business

We’re excited to launch a new initiative this year: Summer Food Fight, a friendly competition between local businesses to help keep our Sun Prairie Food Pantry shelves stocked during the summer months when donations often slow down.

This effort comes at a critical time. The pantry is facing record demand that continues to rise. Food drives like this help ensure we can continue meeting the needs of local families.

Here’s how it works: Businesses will collect food and hygiene items from June 12 to July 10, then deliver their donations to Sunshine Place for weighing on the final day. The business with the highest total pounds donated per employee will be crowned the winner! Cash donations are also welcome and will count toward totals.

If your business is ready to join the fight against summer hunger, CLICK HERE to sign up today!

Community members can watch for updates and support opportunities on our social media channels, in our newsletter, and on our website in the coming weeks. Let’s make this first Summer Food Fight a success to help our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Sponsors Needed for Summer Lunch Program

Looking for a meaningful way to give back this summer? Sponsors are still needed for our Summer Lunch Program, which provides free, healthy sack lunches to kids in Sun Prairie neighborhoods on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout summer break.

Gather your friends, co-workers, or community group to sponsor a day by choosing a date, providing a few volunteers, and covering the cost of food. Volunteers help prepare about 250 lunches, and Sunshine Place handles all ingredient purchasing. The sponsorship cost is $500.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up as a sponsor HERE or visit our website for information on this and other community food programs for kids.

On our website, you can also find neighborhood lunch stop locations, times, and other helpful details for families. Kids can look for our white van pulling up in their neighborhood to stop by and grab a free lunch.

Together, we can make sure no child goes hungry this summer.

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. The impact of Sunshine Place programs is only possible because of our community’s generosity and commitment to helping one another.

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

Thank you for making our recent Prom Dress Pop-up a success! Special thanks to volunteers Trena, Heather, and Sarah, who saw a need and stepped up to organize a free event so every Sun Prairie teen could attend prom with confidence.

Thanks to their leadership and generous donors, students received dresses, shoes, and jewelry at no cost. With 165+ volunteer hours and over 45 dresses donated, the impact was truly meaningful.

	Thank you to The Loft at 132 and the Bill and Michelle Howe Foundation for organizing the Earth Day 5K and choosing Sunshine Place as the beneficiary! We’re incredibly grateful to have received a generous donation of $2,591.56. Your support helps us continue serving the community.

	Thank you to everyone who donated to this year's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! We collected 7,726 pounds of food (just over 10 pallets) for the Sun Prairie Food Pantry, helping keep shelves stocked for those in need. Special thanks to the Postal Carriers and volunteers who made it possible. We appreciate your support!

	We are so grateful for the groups that provided volunteers and food to serve at our weekly Sunshine Supper free community meal. Recent sponsor groups included St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, Living Water Church, Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, and Sun Prairie Lions Club. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

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!

This email was sent to susan@sunshineplace.org. Click here to unsubscribe.