Key Club International, a Kiwanis service leadership program, is again proving that trick-or-treating is not all about the candy.
By participating in the 2011 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, the BCHS Key Club members are demonstrating "changing the world one child and one community at a time" by helping provide resources and advocacy to support the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus with UNICEF and partners.
"Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF is a simple, effective and fun way to help improve the lives of children around the world," secretary Courtney Knight said. "We are glad to be part of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF tradition and are committed to helping women in every corner of the world have access to basic health services that will protect their newborns."
Key Clubbers have raised more than $5 million for iodine deficiency programs worldwide, HIV and AIDS programs in Kenya and Swaziland, and a program to ensure the right of vulnerable youth to access education, health and basic social services in Uruguay.
The Key Club International's 2011 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF efforts will support The Eliminate Project.
The Eliminate Project supports the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. More than 100 million women of childbearing age need to be vaccinated to protect them and their future newborns. An average of $1.80 will provide three doses of the tetanus toxoid vaccine, syringes, safe transport and storage, education on safe birthing practices, training of health workers and more.
This global campaign will protect the lives of millions of mothers and their future new-borns.
Key Club members will be collecting money from Oct. 20 through 31. There will be canisters at several businesses in Benton for donations, and Key Club members will also be trick-or-treating on Halloween night to collect money.
Donations will also be accepted at Benton Consolidated High School. They may be sent to the BCHS Key Club, 511 E. Main St., Benton, IL 62812. Please make checks payable to Key Club International with "UNICEF" in the memo. One hundred percent of the proceeds collected go directly to UNICEF.
