UNICEF USA INVITES CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO “GIVE LIKE A KID AGAIN” THIS HALLOWEEN

NEW YORK, NY (September 22, 2026) — This Halloween, UNICEF USA is inviting children and families to “Give Like a Kid Again” through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the longest-running youth engagement campaign in the United States. For more than 75 years, the beloved Halloween tradition has brought generations together around a simple idea: even the smallest acts can make a big difference.

From New Jersey to Minnesota, “Give Like a Kid Again” will come to life through family-friendly experiences across the country. The celebration begins September 26–27 with a free pop-up at American Dream in New Jersey, including a Nickelodeon Our World party with Two-time Olympic Medalist, Actor, and UNICEF Ambassador, Laurie Hernandez, in celebration of the brand’s Worldwide Day of Play initiative. Nickelodeon’s Our World Coalition unites youth-centered organizations to give kids the tools and resources to build their sense of agency and drive change in their communities. The activation will feature Nickelodeon character meet-and-greets, music, games and a giant play zone. The celebration continues October 15–18 at Booniverse in Nickelodeon Universe® at Mall of America® in Minnesota, where Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF returns for a second year with a larger-than-life orange collection box, games, giveaways and Halloween activities that bring the joy of giving back to life.

“Children have an extraordinary ability to believe they can make a difference and for decades, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has proven they can,” said Shelley Diamond, Chief Marketing Officer, UNICEF USA. “This year, as UNICEF commemorates 80 years of working for every child, ‘Give Like a Kid Again’ invites those who grew up with the little orange box to pass on that spirit of generosity to the next generation.”

It all started in 1950, when a group of children in Philadelphia collected just $17 in decorated milk cartons to help children recovering from World War II. Those milk cartons soon became UNICEF’s iconic orange collection boxes, and a small act of kindness grew into an American Halloween tradition. Since then, generations of trick-or-treaters have raised nearly $200 million to help UNICEF provide lifesaving support for children around the world from vaccines and safe water to nutrition, education and emergency relief.

The costumes may change, but the power of kids helping kids remains. In 1994, as children across America dressed up for Halloween, UNICEF and its partners were helping eliminate polio in the Americas. In 2005, trick-or-treaters helped support children and families affected by devastating hurricanes and the Indian Ocean tsunami. Today, a new generation can carry that spirit forward, helping UNICEF reach children with the support they need to survive, thrive and reach their full potential.

This October, whether carrying the iconic orange box, fundraising online or joining family-friendly activities, kids can discover the joy and power of giving back:

• $5 can provide one child with safe water for up to one year
• $10 can provide a package of soccer balls for a child-friendly space
• $30 can provide a family with a first aid kit in an emergency setting
• $51 can help 1 child recover from severe acute malnutrition

This year’s campaign is made possible thanks to generous support from Key Club International and Circle K International, Marriott International, Mizzen Education, Screenvision Media and the Rock and Roll Playhouse. To learn more, participate and “Give Like a Kid Again” this Halloween, visit www.unicefusa.org/TOT2026.

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ABOUT UNICEF 
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.  

ABOUT UNICEF USA 

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world's most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. 

For more information please contact:
Nina Marie Costa, UNICEF USA, 973-519-5253, NMCosta@unicefusa.org 
Zeynep Cavusoglu, UNICEF USA, 908-956-5650, zcavusoglu@unicefusa.org