UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is probably one of the most successful charities in the world. It helps millions of children each day. They give children vaccinations, emergency food and much more.

Our group (the students who created this site) thinks UNICEF is such a great organization that we raised close to $300.00 in our school and sent it to UNICEF.  We did this through the  "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" campaign. Millions of children in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Mexico and Hong Kong participate in this campaign each year. This activity gave the children at our school the chance to make Halloween more than just about getting candy for themselves.  The team of students that created this web site went into every grade 3-5 classroom in our school and distributed the orange UNICEF collection boxes (you can get these at many stores such as Pier One and IKEA).  We explained to our schoolmates all about UNICEF and how the money collected could be used to fight hunger, disease, poverty, and more.  We helped each classroom rehearse what they could say when they rang people's doorbells for trick-or-treat.  Our school really came through and our schoolmates learned of the important role they can play in helping each other.  Kids from around the world can raise money by visiting the "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" web site.

UNICEF started in 1946, right after World War II, because many children’s homes had been bombed and thousands of children were malnourished.

UNICEF used to stand for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.  When UNICEF started, it was only going to be temporary, but in 1953, when they realized how much kids needed them, they made it permanent.  That’s when they shortened the name to United Nations Children’s Fund.  They kept it UNICEF with the I and E because otherwise it wouldn’t be a word.

From children with malnutrition in Sudan to kids doing the work of adults in Bangledash, UNICEF tries their hardest to help everyone. Whether it’s helping kids learn to be kids or helping parents learn to let their kids be kids, UNICEF does it all. UNICEF doesn’t care if their country is at war with the country they’re helping, they help anyway. UNICEF realizes what children need and does their best to give them just that.

UNICEF also helps kids get a proper education.  They teach parents to teach their kids and they teach parents and kids fun and educational games, so that kids learn to like school.  UNICEF also campaigns against child labor, so that kids can get a good education.

UNICEF has been up and running for 57 years and we hope it is able to keep running for as long as possible. You can help by donating money to UNICEF. One address is, 333 East 38^th street G-6, New York, NY 10016.

For more information you can find books about UNICEF in your local library. Did you know that:

• Five cents can provide a year’s worth of iodine, this helps children grow and develop properly.

• One dollar can protect a child for life from polio; this disease could cause death.

• Three dollars can provide 60 days worth of emergency food.

You, yes you, could save a child’s life with only $1.00! The children will be very grateful, so please, raise money or donate soon.

Citations

Book

Prior, Katherine.  World Organizations; UNICEF, Franklin Watts: New York, 2001.

Web Site

UNICEF at <http://www.unicef.org/> (February, 2004).

Images

Images of vaccine, student, and woman with money  from "Clip Art Gallery"  Images free for non-profit and personal use. (October-February, 2003-2004).

Glossary

Vaccinations: A shot or oral liquid used to prevent people from getting certain illnesses. Return

Malnourished: Someone who is not getting enough nutrients from a poor diet is malnourished. Return

Polio: A disease that could be prevented if every child received a vaccination. Return

|Salvation Army| UNICEF| Heifer International| Peace Corps| Red Cross| Save the Children| CARE|