Ideas from Other Trick-or-Treaters
Expanding the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program in Osprey, Florida
Henry started promoting Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF at his school, The Pineview School for the Gifted in Osprey, Florida, in 2005. He kicks off the campaign each year with a letter to all of the teachers, describing the program and how it benefits children around the world. He then distributes Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes and learning materials to each class, so that the teachers can educate students about UNICEF's mission, and how kids in the United States have the opportunity to help on Halloween. In the days after Halloween, Henry will be set up on campus in a central spot with signs and more educational materials to start collecting the boxes. There are special incentives for the classes that bring in the biggest collection by weight—these are awarded by Henry's family, who is as supportive of UNICEF as Henry is. In addition, this is a big year for Henry. He has requested that if people would like to make a contribution in honor of his being called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah in mid-November, that they make it on his behalf to UNICEF. He has also pledged a portion of what he receives as gifts to UNICEF. In the first week of October, he had already raised over $1,000 through his "Bar Mitzvah project". Henry is determined to carry out this project through High School. He has made his support of UNICEF a big part of his life, and by doing so, made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children around the world.
Martin: UNICEF educator from South Carolina
Nine-year-old Martin saw a commercial for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF on Cartoon Network the day before Halloween. He researched the program on the U.S. Fund for UNICEF website, and he and his mother drove 35 miles to the closest Hallmark to pick up boxes. Martin wrote a great letter explaining UNICEF's mission and the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program, and distributed the letter as he Trick or Treated on Halloween. In the letter, he explained who he was, and how he found out about UNICEF and the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program. He explained what UNICEF could do with the little bit of money he was asking people to give him instead of candy. Part of the letter was his own composition, and part of it was taken from the U.S. Fund for UNICEF website. His letter was compelling as well as educational, and people responded generously. We thank Martin for his donation and his great advocacy on behalf of his peers around the world.
Brandywood Elementary School: Third Graders "Walk a Mile for UNICEF"
On Halloween, third graders from Brandywood Elementary School in Delaware gave up their recess to "Walk a Mile for UNICEF". The Brandywood community sponsored the kids, and some kids even raided their own piggy banks to build a bigger donation. In the end, through the generosity of the community and the children, they quadrupled their fund-raising goal. The walkers chanted "UNICEF, UNICEF, UNICEF…." as they marched, happy to know that they were making a real difference in the lives of children around the world.
John: UNICEF advocate from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Eight year old John from Louisiana took his Mad Scientist costume and a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box, and spent Halloween advocating and fundraising for his peers around the globe. Not only did he go door-to-door, he also hit the local grocery store. He walked up to shoppers with his UNICEF box and explained UNICEF's important mission, and what their change could do to help. His mother proudly told us of his persistence and resilience, telling how John would walk up to a shopper and say "Hi, I'm Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF. Be a hero and help end world hunger." John is home schooled, and for 2007 he plans to organize his home school group to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. We are glad to have spokespeople like him working in communities around the country.
Kyle: UNICEF organizer from Portland, Oregon
Kyle is 11 years old and in fifth grade at Winterhaven School in Portland, OR. Kyle asked his mother to send away for a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF group kit so that he could give out boxes at his family's Buddhist temple and to his friends. He also told his school principal all about the program, and as a result of his advocacy, she ordered the boxes for all K-third grade students. Kyle made his own Halloween costume, going as a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box complete with LED lights. He marched in his community's Monster March parade, handing out UNICEF boxes to anyone interested. His impact in this, his first year of participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, has gone way beyond his own individual collection. His efforts have made a real, life-saving difference for a lot of children around the world.
