Design contest for UNICEF boxes | Holiday

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF's flagship Trick-or-Treat campaign, which has raised more than $167 million for children in need around the world, is getting a new look this year. For the first time in the campaign's 62-year history kids will have a chance to design their own collection boxes.

Original designs for the "Create-a-Character" contest may be submitted online at trickortreatforunicef.org <http://www.trickortreatforunicef.org/>. Winning designs in three categories will become part of a limited edition collection for next year's campaign.

The box design contest will run from Sept. 1 through Oct. 26.

"Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF helps kids, parents and educators celebrate Halloween by raising money and learning about children in other parts of the world," said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "This year, we want to tap into children's imaginations by letting them bring their own creativity to the traditional Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes."

Original box designs may be submitted online at trickortreatforunicef.org <http://www.trickortreatforunicef.org/> beginning in September. A winning design from each category (children ages 4-8, 9-12, and 13 years and older) will be chosen and announced on Halloween, Oct. 31.

Participants who prefer a finished box have new choices this year, too. The traditional Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box has been given a new look, with six spooky new character boxes - a monster, black cat, princess, pumpkin, vampire and a witch. Fundraising kits containing the character boxes, the blank collection box for design and new educational resources may be ordered online with free shipping at trickortreatforunicef.org <http://www.trickortreatforunicef.org/> or by calling 1-800-FOR-KIDS while supplies last.

Beginning in 1953, volunteers wore armbands featuring a silhouette of a child drinking milk and carried small orange boxes. The collection boxes have become an iconic symbol of the organization as millions of children have gone door-to-door each Halloween to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is grateful for the support of our National Sponsors Key Club International and Starcom MediaVest Group; along with Promotional Supporters American Airlines and Coinstar, Inc.