USWT Buckets of Sunshine Project

 The United States Women of Today was formed in 1985 as a leadership training, community service, and personal enrichment organization. Since its inception the organization has raised thousands of dollars for the communities, states and health foundations (i.e. March of Dimes, Arthritis, Leukemia, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Multiple Sclerosis) it serves. There were 18 member states in the United States Women of Today with approximately 4000 members.

At the 1996 Annual meeting the Future Directions Committee made a decision to create a project that would bring name recognition for the organization through public relations. After much brainstorming and idea sharing, the Buckets of Sunshine Project was selected. At the business meeting the proceeding day, the project was adopted and approved by the membership. The goal of the program is to provide "buckets” filled with products to local crisis centers (particularly focused toward women and children). The donated items would benefit someone leaving the center and help defray expenses with starting over in a new home or apartment.

At the June 2002 Annual Meeting, the Marketing Committee decided not to associate the Buckets of Sunshine project with “Make a Difference Day.” It was felt that if the two are kept separate, our communities would benefit from them both. It seems to be confusing to our members along with people in the community and it was felt that the Buckets of Sunshine was lost in the media hype of Make a Difference Day.