[dropcap]C[/dropcap]link clank, coins slip through a small slot as people dig through their bags and pockets hoping to find loose change. One by one, coins join others to make a difference in each white rectangular box labeled Trick-or-Treat for the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Founded in 1950, the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program gives children a chance to make a difference in other kids’ lives.
Over the years this program has helped eradicate diseases, and now, the program’s goal is to combat Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus.
This deadly disease causes mothers and their newborns to be extremely sensitive to light and touch. Fortunately, one dollar and eighty cents can protect a mother and her child from the disease, immunizing women and providing hygienic birth practices.
As one of UNICEF’s many partners, Kiwanis International created the Eliminate Project to help fight MNT.
Through its affiliation with Kiwanis, Key Club sets high fundraising goals for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program every year as a part of the Eliminate Project.
At school, Key clubbers carry these small rectangular boxes to collect money.
“I feel like the Eliminate Project is a great way to help save those who are affected by Neonatal Tetanus,” Sophomore Michelle Ho said. “Not only do you provide money for shots, but you get a nice feeling knowing that you helped provide money to save a mother and her child.”
Our Key Club is hoping to raise $450 by mid-December. Its efforts will include carwashes, pie-throwing and collaborations with other clubs.
But this season, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has a new spin that will have participants push their creativity to another level.
“The UNICEF boxes this year are different because instead of having defined designs on the boxes, the boxes are blank so participants can decorate the boxes to their desire,” Junior Yvonne Lin said. “Winning boxes will be chosen to be featured on next year’s boxes.”
Along with the new contest, the Key Club president and vice president will be wearing full-body UNICEF boxes to school once the club meets its fundraising goal.
“I am very excited to be able to wear UNICEF boxes because I have always wanted to wear them ever since I heard about other Key Club officers having the opportunity to,” Lin said. “I think this is great motivation for the board and members to set higher goals and fundraise for Eliminate.”
So far, 21 countries are now free of MNT, but 38 countries still are not. Kiwanis and Key Clubs around the world are continuing to work to eliminate MNT, hoping to eradicate this disease by 2015.
“It is a terrible, ravaging disease that needs to be eliminated to ensure a brighter future for thousands of children and mothers who are struggling to survive as it is,” Junior Simon Chau said. “There are many ways as high school students that we seek to make a difference, and this is one way. By contributing to this cause, we can actually do something noticeable.”
So sacrifice that one snack; help UNICEF and Kiwanis fundraise for MNT.
TCHS School Newspaper