Trick-or-Treat For UNICEF Continues to Make a Difference in the Lives of the World's Children During October

NEW YORK, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  This October, kids in the U.S. are making a difference in the lives of the world's children through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the original Kids Helping Kids® campaign.

"Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF remains a Halloween tradition for American families and an inspiration to many generations to further the cause of child survival," said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. "Every day, 22,000 children under the age of five die of preventable causes. Today, kids are as committed as ever to help UNICEF provide nutrition, medicine and education to their peers around the world, and to help bring the number of preventable childhood deaths down to zero."

While carrying the orange collection box door-to-door is the traditional way to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, supporters can also host a Halloween fundraising party during the month of October to raise money and have fun with friends and family. Free party tools and tips are available for download at www.trickortreatforunicef.org.

Supporters can also donate $10 on their mobile phone by texting the word "TOT" to UNICEF (864233) or by scanning the Microsoft Tag on the collection box using a Web-enabled smartphone or mobile device.  Collection boxes and fundraising kits can be pre-ordered and are available online and by phone at 1-800-FOR-KIDS.

The longest running youth engagement campaign in America, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has raised more than $164 million for UNICEF's lifesaving programs worldwide. The campaign owes its success over the years not only to the children, parents and educators who have taken the initiative to participate, but also to a wide array of companies and organizations that serve as invaluable partners.  The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is grateful for the support of premier media sponsor HGTV and national sponsor Key Club International; along with proud supporters FEED Projects and HSN; and promotional supporters American Airlines and Coinstar, Inc.

Once again HGTV is pleased to join the U.S. Fund for UNICEF as the premier media sponsor of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.  Now in its third year of support, HGTV will highlight Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in a prime time Halloween television special airing Saturday, October 22 at 8 ET/PT, and include Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in the Halloween section of HGTV.com.

The long-standing partnership between the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Key Club International has raised over $5 million for UNICEF and will continue its support of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Key Club International, a student-led service leadership program of Kiwanis International, is the oldest and largest service program for high school students.

For the second year, FEED Projects and HSN are proud to partner on the FEED Trick-or-Treat bag to benefit UNICEF.  For each bag purchased in the U.S., $3.50 will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help UNICEF provide one child in the developing world with an entire year's worth of micronutrient powders which, when sprinkled over a meal, guarantee the important nutrients a child needs to survive and thrive.

For more than 60 years, children across America were inspired to collect coins for UNICEF to aid children abroad enduring the after-effects of World War II. It was not just a charity effort—it was a call to end the needless suffering of their more vulnerable peers around the globe.  Since then Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has been a powerful way for generations of Americans to help provide children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. Today, that mission is as urgent as ever, and the campaign is just as vibrant.  

To donate or learn how to get involved visit www.trickortreatforunicef.org

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in more than 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress: the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 22,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF