Our Lady of Loretto School will Trick-Or-Treat for Unicef!

This Halloween, students at Our Lady of Loretto School in Novato will once again be making a difference in the lives of the world’s children through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, an original Kids Helping Kids® campaign.

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 8.1 million in 2009. But still, 22,000 children die each day from preventable causes. UNICEF’s mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood.

More than 60 years ago, 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.  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.

“Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF is an effective and fun way to help improve the lives of children around the world,” said Nikki Collier, the Religious Affairs Commissioner and member of Our Lady of Loretto School’s Student Council. Adds faculty member and Young Vincent DePaul Moderator, Mrs. Brigid Oswald, “An important aspect of our school’s philosophy is to instill in our students the importance of giving back and being actively involved in the local community. We are really glad to be part of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF tradition and are committed to helping children in every corner of the world have access to basic services. In 2010 we were one of the top donors to the campaign, and we hope to raise even more funds this year.” 

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. 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 are available online, by phone at 1-800-FOR-KIDS, and at Crocs™ stores nationwide. To donate or learn more about other ways how to get involved visit trickortreatforunicef.org.

For more information about Our Lady of Loretto School,  visit our website at www.ollnovato.org/school