By Francesca Green '17, Contributing Writer
Trick-Or-Treat for The United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) started in 1950 when a group of children in Philadelphia went trick-or-treating with their pastor, not only for candy but also donations to send to UNICEF.
That first year they collected $17. Since that point, Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF’s popularity has grown exponentially and the program has raised more than $170 million to date. Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF has sent the UNICEF campus initiative at Skidmore supplies so students can participate in this nationwide effort. (Although Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is also in Canada and Hong Kong, the majority of its participants are found in the United States.)
This year will be the 64th anniversary of Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF and millions will participate: from NGOs and community-based groups to religious groups, elementary schools and college groups (like Skidmore’s own UNICEF campus initiative!).
Here is an idea of what the money raised can buy: Only $1 is needed to provide potable water for a child for 40 days. $5 can feed a malnourished child for 5 days. 280 children can be vaccinated with only $10! And 100 children can be protected from malaria for $100.
Our club will be going trick-or-treating on the 31st with children from local schools, churches, and we’ve even extended an invitation to faculty, staff and their families. Not everyone has to go trick-or-treating to participate or help out. We also have a website where people can donate whatever they can and every penny goes towards Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF and its cause. The website is: https://www.crowdrise.com/skidmorehalloween though people can of course also donate directly on UNICEF’s page online! Happy trick-or-treating!