Trick or Treat for UNICEF

Downey Key Club members are participating in the annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF event asking for door-to-door donations on Halloween evening to help raise money for poverty stricken youths in Africa and other underdeveloped regions."I think it's a good cause and I'm glad Key Club is participating," said club president Christina Arsenescu. Arsenescu says Key Club will be setting up two stations in North Downey, where upperclassmen and underclassmen will walk around the neighborhood in groups to collect donations from members of the community. Key Club also sold homemade Rice Krispie treats and other desserts after school this week to help raise other funds for the event. All proceeds will go towards Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Club secretary Sandra Lee says she heard about the event from a past Key Club member and decided the club should participate this year. "We're blessed with things other kids don't have," Lee said. "It feels nice knowing that we're helping children in need." The club has already raised $63 from a recent car wash and set a goal amount to raise tomorrow evening. Some club members are anticipating the event to see how much they can accomplish as a cooperative group. "We're hoping to raise $500," said club treasurer Sara Paik. "If we already raised that much so far, imagine how much we can raise in one night." Advisor Lauren Wack says she thinks its great that students are spending their Halloween raising money for a worthy cause instead of traditional trick-or-treating. Sponsored by UNICEF, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF was launched on Halloween in 1950 when five Philadelphia school children collected door-to-door donations to assist children in other parts of the world. The money raised from the event goes to provide clean water, food, school supplies, and other necessary items for children in over 150 nations. While the main purpose of the event is to help the children in struggling countries, Key Club members say they also hope the event will be a unique bonding experience between all the group members. "We want underclassmen and upperclassmen to overcome the age difference to join together and support this notable cause," said club representative Rebekah Jin. "It's going to be fun, and members can get to know one another through this event." The event is scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

********** Published: October 30, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 28