TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF CAMPAIGN CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AMERICAN CHILDREN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
NEW YORK (Fall, 2007) – – More than a half a century after kids in Philadelphia first collected $17 in decorated milk cartons to help those left vulnerable by World War II, children across the U.S. are still trick-or-treating for UNICEF. This year, once again, UNICEF is gearing up for The Original Kids Helping Kids® campaign, encouraging American children to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.
“Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has a long and illustrious history here in the U.S.,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “From President Lyndon Johnson proclaiming October 31 UNICEF Day in perpetuity to celebrating the 57th anniversary of kids helping kids this year, trick-or-treating has truly come to symbolize the power of children as advocates and fundraisers for their peers around the world.”
Beginning in October, children are encouraged to raise funds by trick-or-treating door-to-door or planning fundraisers with family and friends. Collection boxes can be picked up at several retail locations, including Pier 1 Imports® and Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. Also, they can be ordered online at unicefusa.org/trickortreat or by phone at 1-800-4UNICEF. The website also features fun, creative resources for kids, families and educators including fundraising ideas such as bake sales, read-a-thons, car washes, penny wars and more.
Although Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is a kid-powered program, educators, corporations and parents are all encouraged to help. To this end, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF makes available door signs for families wishing to alert trick-or-treaters that they are supporting the campaign and a teacher’s kit for educators, including a DVD detailing UNICEF’s work on child survival, interactive exercises, fundraising posters and other resources. Participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF not only educates children about international issues but helps foster empathy and global awareness in kids, in addition to empowering them to know they can make a difference.
This year’s national premier sponsor is Cartoon Network, which for the sixth year will create and air PSA’s featuring characters from their most popular shows encouraging kids to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Procter & Gamble will return as a sponsor for the seventh year through its special Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF edition of the October P&GbrandSAVERâ„¢, which reaches 57 million households, and a $250,000 donation.
Donations can be made via credit card or check, as well as through participating Coinstar® Centers, found in supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchants nationwide. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org/trickortrea
About UNICEF
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world’s leading international children’s organization, working in 156 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicefusa.org
