Child Outreach
Sunshine Place brings hope and help to children facing challenges that inhibit their ability to grown, learn and thrive. We deliver meals, clothing, beds, holiday gifts, backpacks and school supplies to children who might otherwise go without. Here is a list of the many services for children offered by Sunshine Place and its partner organizations.
Let Sunshine Place connect you with assistance meeting your children’s needs.
KiDs Closet
Where: 1632 W. Main St., Unit 110, Sun Prairie, WI
Hours: Available by appointment with referral from your school or community social worker
Contact your school social worker, the Joining Forces for Families social worker, or our Bilingual Navigation Coordinator at referrals@sunshineplace.org. For KiDs Closet inquiries other than referrals, contact the email below.
Email: kidscloset@sunshineplace.org
Clothing for Every Child
We believe every child deserves clean clothing and warm winter wear. KiDs Closet is a free clothing resource for children and youth in the Sun Prairie and Marshall School Districts. Families are referred, then make an appointment to select clothing in a private and compassionate 30-minute shopping experience with a volunteer. KiDs Closet accepts clean and gently used seasonal YOUTH clothing and footwear, and brand-new socks and undergarments. If you want to give—and be certain that your donation benefits children in your community—drop off clothing donations in the large bin outside our store. Donation bin is open daily on weekdays. See ‘More Information’ for details.
Stuff the Bus
Where: Sun Prairie
When: Backpacks and school supplies are distributed mid-August
Email: leticia@sunshineplace.org
Backpacks and School Supplies
For many families, back to school time becomes a burden. Our Stuff the Bus program and volunteers answer this need by collecting funds to purchase backpacks and school supplies. Filled backpacks are then distributed to children in the Sun Prairie Area School District. Stuff the Bus distributes 2,000 backpacks annually to school children.
Spirit of Giving
Holiday Gifts for Local Kids
Many of our neighbors could use support making the holidays joyful for their children. Sunshine Place’s Spirit of Giving Program matches families in need of gifts for their children during the December holiday season with community members who want to help. This program provides assistance to families who live in or attend the Sun Prairie Area School District.
Families can register to participate in the 2026 Spirit of Giving program from November 1st-10th (OR once the program reaches capacity).
If your family has applied and qualified for the free or reduced lunch program for the current school year, you should be contacted by the Sun Prairie Area School District via phone, text, and/or email on November 1st, with information on how to register your family for the Spirit of Giving program.
If your family lives in Sun Prairie and you are in need of holiday gift assistance, but you did not apply or qualify for the free and reduced school lunch program, your children are not yet school-aged, or they are home-schooled, please contact spiritofgiving@sunshineplace.org.
Click ‘I Need Help’ for more information on registering for Spirit of Giving, and click ‘I Want to Help’ for more information on sponsoring a family through Spirit of Giving.
Beds for Kids
A Bed for Every Child
Sunshine Place’s Beds for Kids program delivers new, twin-sized beds and bedding to Sun Prairie and Marshall school children lacking a place to lay their heads at night to help provide a sense of dignity and best enable them to thrive. Families can request a referral for a bed for their children through their school social worker, by calling Joining Forces for Families at (608) 825-3225, or by contacting our Bilingual Navigation Coordinator at referrals@sunshineplace.org.
Partner Agencies
Sunshine Place sees working together as instrumental in helping those in need. In addition to our own programs, we have partnered with other social service and non-profit organizations to bring essential services to one central location.
RISE Early Childhood Initiative (ECI)
Where: 1632 W. Main St., Unit 180, Sun Prairie, WI
Phone: (608) 825-2165
Email: tyler.salzwedel@risewisconsin.org
Website: www.risewisconsin.org
Helping Families Thrive
A healthy and thriving child starts at home. The RISE Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) helps pregnant woman and families with children ages 0-4 reach goals for family stability, wellness, child development and family relationships. ECI educates new parents about infant and child health, behavior, and development. It helps parents build and foster important relationships and provides opportunities to meet other parents with small children. ECI assists parents in finding jobs or getting more education, and connects them to housing, childcare, and other resources.
Help a Neighbor by Donating Today!
Your donation helps Sunshine Place spread rays of hope to individuals, families, and children in need. Sunshine Place uses financial gifts to deliver food, clothing, and necessary services to families facing hardship. Every donation is a valuable pledge that transforms lives in our community.