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Trick or Treat for UNICEF: Activities Galore

10/29/2001:   More than 50 years ago, a group of school children in Philadelphia began "Trick or Treat for UNICEF." They collected the first $17 in a campaign that has since contributed more than $110 million for children around the world. Each year, on October 31, children collect change from friends and neighbors in the United States and several other countries. Last year, more than 6.25 million Trick or Treat for UNICEF boxes were distributed in the United States. It’s not too late to get a box! Go to the website, www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat, (most information on the website is available in English and Spanish). Some stores--including Sears, IKEA, and Pier 1 Imports--have boxes, or download one from the website!

2001 Funds Will Aid Children in Afghanistan

This year, the Trick or Treat funds will support programs to save the lives of Afghan children faced with the triple threat of war, winter, and famine. The "Alert" page (ADD SITE) describes UNICEF efforts to reach 5 million displaced people in Afghanistan and 2.5 million in nearby countries. Of those most at risk, 20% are children under age 5. In the past month, 11 flights have carried emergency relief from an UNICEF supply hub in Europe, and convoys of trucks and pack mules have delivered more than 500 tons of supplies to 4 cities in Afghanistan. The current crisis is a further threat in a country devastated by:
  • 20 years of conflict since the Soviet invasion in 1979;
  • several years of drought;
  • a mortality rate of 257 per 1,000 for children under age 5 (fourth highest in the world);
  • the highest maternal mortality rate in the world; and
  • the lowest caloric intake per person in the world.


Please note that two matching programs will augment donations to UNICEF:
  • The UN Foundation will match each Trick or Treat dollar with 25 cents.
  • Kiwanis International will match donations of any amount, received by December 1, 2001, up to a total of $1 million.


In addition to the traditional door-to-door fund raising campaign, some school children collect for UNICEF through bake sales, car washes, read-a-thons, and dances. Check "Kids Fun" and the Photo Gallery on the website for more ideas. This year, the Kids-Helping-Kids Challenge contest will reward 10 unusual ways of raising money and spreading the word about why everyone should "Trick or Treat for UNICEF." Entries are due by December 14, 2001. See the website "Challenge" page for instructions (www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/challenge.html).



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