Impact Report Fall 2023
Thank you for making an impact in the lives of families facing childhood illnesses and special needs. You are helping shine God’s light and show His love by providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support to families. Your partnership helps provide direct support and services to children and families at the hospital and in their homes in the Mid-South and nationwide!
Each month Spreading Sunshine’s Hospital Care Volunteers serve meals to 300-350 parents/children at the FedEx Family House and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Additionally, our staff and volunteers visit Sunshine families in the hospital to provide meals and personalized care and support.
113 people receive monthly mailings and encouragement throughout the entire year. Each of our volunteer care partners builds relationships with 4-5 families. These relationships ensure families know they are personally cared for. Care partners also help identify and meet the specific needs of families as they arise.
This year families in our Year of Sunshine come from across the country including, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Social workers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital refer families to Spreading Sunshine who need a community. Many have limited support and resources. We build relationships with these families to provide customized care and community. Our goal is to partner with parents in their caregiving journey to lighten their load and brighten their day. We are currently serving twenty-four families in Memphis.
Our care team visits families in their homes and builds relationships to offer support services which include meals, help with household projects, and celebration of special events and holidays.
We also host special events to provide families the opportunity to connect with one another and with our volunteers/staff.
Every child whose family joins our Sunshine Community receives a complimentary Sunshine Box as a first touch point and welcome. Families in our Year of Sunshine receive themed Sunshine Boxes throughout the year. We also send Sunshine Boxes to children and caregivers upon request.
It is our joy to walk with Tamika in her caregiving journey for her son Markel. While we’ve been able to meet practical, emotional, spiritual, and financial needs for Markel’s family, it is through our friendship with Tamika and this family that we’ve received far more than has been given. Read this family’s story here.
Your partnership allows us to provide community and care to this beautiful family. Because of your support, Tamika knows she is not alone in her caregiving journey. Your support has enabled us to provide meals, help with household projects, participate in dance parties, meet financial needs, provide a day of respite for Tamika, and celebrate special occasions. Thank you for making a difference in the life of this family and so many more.
