International Sunshine Society

[1] It was organized in 1896 by Cynthia May Alden in the New York Recorder newspaper's office largely as a newspaper club with the object "to scatter good cheer, happiness and kindness..."[2] It was incorporated in New York in February 1900, Alden serving as president general.

[3] The development and growth of the sunshine idea began as an association of 18 people living in New York City, who organized for the purpose of passing on Christmas cheer.

The object of the society was to incite its members to perform a kind and helpful deed, and to thus bring "sunshine of happiness" to others.

[3] A distinguishing fact of the ISS was that sunshine was not charity, which was important to people who might not otherwise accept assistance from charitable institutions.

Its active membership consisted of the people who desired to brighten life by some kind thought, word, or deed.