Did you know that for less than the cost of a pack of Starburst, you could provide a child with clean water for 40 days? Or that for half a pack of Twizzlers, 280 children can be vaccinated? I bet you never thought that five Tootsie Rolls could feed a child for 5 days. Candy is great, but water, food, and medicine are necessities.
Trick or Treat for UNICEF is an amazing organization that has made an incredible impact on the lives of many underprivileged children around the world. The program started in 1950 and has since raised over $170 million. Participating has always been fairly simple; on Halloween, instead of saying “Trick or Treat” and opening a bulging bag for another handful of candy, a child will knock on a door and say “Trick or Treat for UNICEF” and accept donations for the organization. These donations spread far and can make such a positive change in the lives struggling youths across the globe.
UNICEF’s mission is “to make the world better for children,” and they truly work by it. In over 190 countries, children have benefited from their efforts. The mass change they have brought is miraculous, and the numbers are astounding. In 2013, they aided in the vaccination of 38% of the world’s children. In almost 25 years, UNICEF has decreased the rate of child deaths by 50%, and clean water has been provided in over 100 countries.
Their work in health and sanitation is only part of what they do. The organization also works to help expand a child’s opportunities. UNICEF builds schools, trains teachers, and makes education much more accessible overall.
UNICEF was actually founded after World War II as a way to help children that were suffering from the war’s many consequences. Since then, whether there’s war, natural disaster, or an uprising, this organization does everything it can to ease the pain of children in difficult situations.
UNICEF is entirely funded by donations. From large corporations to children in Halloween costumes (hint hint), the organization receives the money it needs to continue bettering the lives of children.
Getting involved in UNICEF is very easy and can require very little. A mere dollar can make a significant impact on someone’s life. If you are planning on trick-or-treating this year and are interested in participating in Trick or Treat for UNICEF, you can go to www.unicefusa.org to order your donation box and learn more. If you no longer trick-or-treat, you can still be involved with Trick or Treat for UNICEF by creating a webpage for donations. Their website also suggests throwing a Trick or Treat for UNICEF party to raise money.
It is important to help those that are less fortunate. Everyone has the right to basic sanitation, nourishment, education, and safety. Children have no control over their situation, so it is crucial that those that are lucky enough to live a comfortable life help those that do not.