This Halloween, many Baha’i children will be fighting global poverty as they trick-or-treat for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Along with their candy sacks, they will carry orange UNICEF boxes or canisters to collect money for the health, education and well being of children living in places that lack basic resources such as clean water, schools and nutritious food.

Across the United States, Baha’is received a joint letter from the president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the U.S. Baha'i representative to the United Nations encouraging them to participate in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and other UNICEF programs.

© United States Fund for UNICEFF

“Health care, having a warm blanket and getting the chance to go to school may seem ordinary to many of us in the United States,” wrote Jeffery Huffines, U.S. Baha’i representative to the United Nations, and Charles Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

“But in the world’s poorest countries, these things can be nothing short of revolutionary. With your continued support, together we can help give each child the chance of an ordinary childhood.”

This year, in response to requests from Baha’is and others, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has expanded its curricula and activities to last beyond Halloween. Children, parents and teachers can get involved in breaking the cycle of poverty year-round by exploring lesson plans at www.TeachUNICEF.org and discovering ideas for action at the new Volunteer Center: www.unicefusa.org/volunteer .

“The educational resources and activities on the UNICEF Web site contain a treasure trove of ideas for service projects and would enhance any class for children or youth,” Huffines said.

The partnership between the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States and UNICEF dates back to 1947, when both organizations were accredited to the United Nations.

“By partnering with UNICEF, Baha’is have the opportunity to put our moral principles of compassion and reducing poverty into practice,” Huffines said. “We can participate in these programs at home and at school, and not only during Halloween, but throughout the whole year.”

Since 1950, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has raised more than $132 million, including $5.2 million raised last year.

For more information on Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, visit www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat or call 1-800-4-UNICEF.