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Y-Serve

Project Sunshine

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What is Project Sunshine?

Project Sunshine is a global nonprofit dedicated to delivering the healing power of play to children with medical needs. We achieve this mission through the work of passionate volunteers who assemble Sending Sunshine activity kits filled with supplies, toys, and crafts for children staying in pediatric hospitals across the country. We also collaborate monthly with the Brade's Place, a pediatric palliative care facility, where volunteers spend time playing with children who have life-altering illnesses and disabilities. Our goal: uplift an underserved population that needs joy, laughter, and light in their darkest times.

Project Sunshine Video

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Volunteers stand at a table and fill yellow plastic project sunshine bags with art supplies.
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Art supplies and paper are on top of a table while volunteers write notes.
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A group of volunteers are in an assembly line of filling project sunshine yellow plastic bags.
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How do I get involved?

Volunteer Description: Volunteers will engage in a variety of activities—such as crafts, building with Legos, and conversation—with children who have special needs or disabilities at a pediatric palliative care facility. If you’re interested in joining, please email us at projectsunshine@byu.edu to add you into our Microsoft Teams chat.

Volunteer Time Commitment: Volunteers are welcome to attend all three events each month, just one, or whenever their schedule allows—there is no set requirement. Our palliative care volunteers serve for two hours once a month on a Saturday at Brade’s Place (248 North 50 East, Orem, UT 84057). Carpooling is provided from campus to the facility and back. Volunteers meet 30 minutes before the scheduled event time at the WSC Roundabout (for example, if the event starts at 6:30 p.m., meet at 6:00 p.m. for departure). On-campus events are held Thursday evenings from 7:00–8:00 p.m. Volunteers may stay for as little as 10 minutes or the full hour, and some even linger afterward to finish up crafts or conversations.

Upcoming events will be posted here and on the Y-Serve Calendar. Contact the program leaders below with any questions.

In order to be updated immediately about any news, updates, or events, join our Microsoft Teams here!

Upcoming activities:

    • February 5th: Puppet Pals - Kit Packing

      • 7:00–8:00 PM in WSC 2142
      • Help pack small activity kits for children in hospitals across the nation!

    • February 21st: Brade’s Place Event

      • Support children with disabilities through games, laughter, and fun!
      • Two shifts available: 3:30-5:30 PM, 5:30-7:30 PM
      • For hours, carpooling, and address information, sign-up here

    Contact Info

    Directors

    Available by email at projectsunshine@byu.edu

    Alberto Trujano

    562-955-8755

    Caleb Worthington

    907-651-8510

    Mia Mendoza, Lead Program Director

    916-755-1703
    Office Hour: Tuesday 2:00-3:00 PM

    Sheridan Vigue

    385-329-1344

    Tanner Perez

    951-310-1291
    We got to work with kids with disabilities at Brades' Place this semester, and it was so amazing. Playing with these kids and helping give their families & parents a break from the mental load of having a child with disabilities was so awesome. So many families expressed how grateful they were to be able to have a short break and also to see their kids be happy.
    Program Director
    When serving soup to families with disabilities, one family had visible stress on their minds. I was so thankful I could relieve them of this one little thing like a lunch.
    Program Director
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