Library Sunshine Fund Committee

About the Sunshine Fund

The Sunshine Fund brings our library community together to support colleagues during significant life moments. Created by and for library faculty and staff, this shared resource allows us to express care and celebrate milestones with one another, whether through comfort during challenging times or recognition of life's special moments. We also take time to relax and unwind together through our various gatherings.

How We Support Each Other

The Sunshine Fund provides support for colleagues experiencing:

• Life celebrations (adoption, birth, retirement)
• Personal challenges (illness, hospitalization)
• Family loss (immediate family members)
• Unexpected hardships (natural disasters or emergencies)

We recognize that everyone's circumstances are unique, and some colleagues may face challenges not specifically listed here. If you or a colleague is experiencing a difficult situation that could benefit from community support, please reach out confidentially to any committee member. We're committed to responding with care and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our library community.

Ways to Contribute

Contributions are invited annually each July, though colleagues are welcome to participate at any time throughout the year, including through digital payment options like Venmo.

Every contribution receives a personal acknowledgment, and we share a library-wide financial report each June. All donation information remains confidential—we never share individual names or contribution amounts.

Financial Contributions

Choose what works for your budget.

• $10 - Every contribution matters, no matter the size
• $20 - Help fund our comfort baskets and community gatherings
• $30 - Support more extensive community building activities

Any amount that works for your situation is sincerely appreciated.

No/Low-Cost Ways to Participate

Your time and skills are just as valuable! Consider:

• Helping with event setup or cleanup
• Sharing your skills (design, organizing, creative ideas)
• Joining the committee for a semester
• Taking on specific projects that interest you

How Funds Are Used

Support for All Library Colleagues

• Adoption or birth – congratulations card
• Loss of an employee or immediate family member – comfort basket (~$25)
• Hospitalization or surgical procedure – (~$25)
• Retirement – congratulations card

Enhanced Support for All Contributors

• Adoption or birth – comfort basket (~$50)
• Loss of an immediate family member – comfort basket (~$50)
• Hospitalization or surgical procedure – comfort basket (~$50)
• Retirement – customized gift (~$50)

Community Events

The Sunshine Fund also helps create moments of connection through:

• Seasonal gatherings and celebrations
• Student Assistant appreciation events (fall and spring semesters)
• Welcome events for new colleagues
• Retirement celebrations
• Pop-up refreshment stations
• Gaming Week activities

Join the Committee

The Sunshine Committee welcomes volunteers from all library departments who can help coordinate activities throughout the year. If you'd like to contribute your time and ideas, please reach out to any current committee member.

Membership

Members serve flexible terms based on their availability and interests.

(Approver: Library Director)