We want to bring your attention to an event that is occurring this month in case you have not heard. We are helping to resurrect the tradition of UNICEF Halloween boxes here in Harvard.
The famous program began in 1950, and many communities still do it every year. The United Nations Children’s Fund raises millions of dollars for children around the world. According to UNICEF, more than 16,000 children die every day from diseases that are preventable or at least treatable. UNICEF also reports that very small amounts of money can do a lot: for as little as $1, UNICEF provides food for a malnourished child for a day. Fifteen dollars can provide a child with clean, safe water for an entire year. And $30 can be used to protect 100 children from measles forever.
So we are encouraging children in kindergarten through grade 8 to pick up a UNICEF trick-or-treat box and fill it with change between now and Halloween night. (In this way, the families in the center of town will not be asked to give out change on Halloween.) The boxes are available at the elementary school and Bromfield in the main office, at the General Store, and at the library. Kids can collect small amounts of change by asking extended family, friends, and even neighbors to contribute for the big event.
On Halloween, children should bring their UNICEF boxes to the General Store parking lot where we will have a giant UNICEF box to collect the money. If you have any questions, please email hughsilk@yahoo.com. You can learn more about the work of UNICEF and this great program at www.unicefusa.org/trick-or-treat/about.
Thanks for teaching your child about the meaning of helping others.
Josie, Maddy, Laura, and Hugh Silk
Ann Lees Road
