Argyle students trick-or-treat for UNICEF

The Argyle High School UNICEF club kicked off their annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign this week.

Club members visited Argyle Intermediate School, Argyle Middle School and Hilltop Elementary to tell students what the United Nations Children’s Fund is about and how they could make a difference by collecting donations that will be dispersed by UNICEF.

“My students are very passionate about this cause and are ready to make a difference in the world,” said Pam Arrington, the club’s sponsor.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is one of the longest-running youth initiatives in America, with more than $164 million raised to date. Supermodel Heidi Klum, host and executive producer of Project Runway, is serving as a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Ambassador this year.

Last year, the Argyle club’s Trick-or-Treat campaign brought in over $2,000.

“It becomes more real when you think about how many children under the age of 5 are losing their lives each day all over the world,” said AHS senior Tate Watson, who serves as the club’s secretary

“We are inspiring the children and youth so they will grow up wanting to help others and have the same passion as we do.”

Arrington said that the club has made a name for themselves nationwide by visiting the United Nations last year to speak on gender equality, attending the UNICEF Annual Year in Review meeting in New York last spring and speaking about the effectiveness of having a high school UNICEF club, and receiving the President’s Volunteer Service award given out by President Obama.

“Last year, the club held many fundraisers and educational events to help others understand what UNICEF does. This year our new officers are doing a great job in upholding the standards and have continued to set goals and implement them,” said Arrington.

The AHS UNICEF club has already raised close to $1,700 this year by creating buttons and mums that they sold during homecoming week at the high school.

Officers have already started planning for future events, including a tennis tournament, a 5k run, and creating public service announcements.

Learn more about Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF at http://youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/.