Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Thanks to everyone who participated in 2025. See you this fall! In the meantime, explore below to learn how millions of people have come to add some meaning to their Halloweening.

a laughing child wearing a lion costume holds up the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box.

75 Years and Still Scary Good!

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Against a white backdrop, Heidi Klum holds up a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF little orange box.

Heidi says,
“Remember this? Trick or Treat for UNICEF is turning 75 this year. I am so excited — and so are some others!”

Cut to Millie Bobby Brown holding a box against a black backdrop.
Mille says, “Hi, everyone! It’s Millie. I’m here to celebrate 75 years of Trick or Treat for UNICEF. What an incredible milestone!”

Cut to Sarah Jessica Parker at home.
Sarah smiles and says, “Happy 75th anniversary, Trick or Treat for UNICEF.”

Cut to Laurie Hernandez at home.
Laurie says, “75 years! That’s a long time — and you can do an awful lot of good in 75 years.”

Cut to Rob Riggle, outdoors.
Rob says, “Here’s to trick or treat for UNICEF. It’s a little orange box, but it does big things!”

Cut to Amanda Gorman at home.
Amanda says, “I loved Halloween as a kid. I don’t remember all the candies that I got, but I do remember participating in Trick or Treat for UNICEF and how meaningful it was to help support children around the world.”

Cut to Doctor Mike in his home studio.
Doctor Mike holds up an orange box and says, “The box would get heavier with coins throughout the night. It would start to jangle. You could actually feel the good you were doing. And then you pour it out and count it!”

Cut to Sofia Carson against a white backdrop.
Sofia says, “It is a beautiful honor to join the legacy of UNICEF ambassadors and supporters going all the way back to Audrey Hepburn and Eleanor Roosevelt. Happy anniversary and happy Halloween, UNICEF!” She blows a kiss.

Cut to Clay Aiken at home.
Clay says, “I loved that for three generations now, families have been making Halloween about more than costumes and candy. This orange box represents something beautiful about who we can be.”

Cut to Aria Mia Loberti at home.
Aria says, “I am so proud of every single kid over the last 75 years who contributed to this incredible mission — changing the world one coin and one little box at a time!”

Cut to Justin H. Min at home.
Justin says, “It has been such a joy in being able to participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF over the last several years. It has been incredible to see kids feeling empowered with these small orange boxes to help kids around the world.”

Cut to Jane Curtin at home.
Jane says, “I first Trick-or-Treated for UNICEF in the 5th grade, and I wasn’t alone. It was my entire class. We didn’t have to, but we all decided, and we knew what the mission was, and we wanted to be part of it.”

Cut to Alyssa Milano at home.
Alyssa says, “What a privilege to help kids discover the idea of helping another human being. I love trick or treat for UNICEF!”

Cut to Jeremy Lin outdoors.
Jeremy says, “We need the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spirit more than ever. I hope every kid today gets to be a part of it.”

Cut to Drake Callender against a white backdrop, holding up a box.
Drake says, “I have my orange box, and I can’t wait to be a part of it for this special year.”

Cut again to Sofia Carson.
She says, “Knock on that door. Say those words. And make the world a better place!”

Cut again to Millie Bobby Brown.
Millie says, “I hope you participate this year. Happy Halloween.”

Cut back to Heidi Klum.
Heidi says, “Make your own memories this year. Get a box. Make a donation and keep the tradition going. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Eight decades and counting!”

An end card with the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box appears, with the line, “Add some meaning to your Halloweening!”

Celebrating 75 Years of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

The little orange box that changed the world.

Orange box with the text Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, and Kids helping kids.
A Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box with many children's faces printed on the side.
UNICEF Sponsored Nationally by US Committee for UNICEF old box
A Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box with four simple cartoons of children printed on the side.

The little orange box that changed the world.

Eight decades of TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF. And counting.

1948

Black and white photo of Mary Emma Allison sitting among three children

1948

Presbyterian minister Clyde Allison and schoolteacher Mary Emma Allison looked at trick-or-treating children in their hometown of Philadelphia and asked, “How can we make this into something good?” They begin asking children to collect old-but-repairable shoes, in addition to candy.

1950

Two orange collection boxes, both with logo silhouette line art of a mother holding up her baby, the two people surrounded by a wreath of peace. One box has the text 'Trick-or-Treat for the world's children, UNICEF. The other says 'UNICEF, Sponsored Nationally by U.S. Committee for UNICEF.'

1950

The Allisons switch to encouraging children to collect coins. The first year, trick-or-treaters sent $17 to UNICEF to provide powdered milk to children around the world. The original Kids Helping Kids® campaign is officially born!

1951

At the end of Halloween night, children of previous generations deposit donations into a witch's cauldron for UNICEF.

1951

Coins, bills and checks, big and small, pour into UNICEF from trick-or-treaters all around the country.

1959

A freezeframe of the title of the TV Show, Lassie, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s first TV appearance! Lassie barks in approval.

1959

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s first TV appearance! When the children decide that they will Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, Lassie barks her approval.

1960s

“UNICEF has caught the imagination of our people—especially our nation’s children whose Halloween collections have become a symbol of concern and an expression of tangible aid. I urge all my fellow citizens, young and old, to support UNICEF generously again this year.”
- President John F. Kennedy, October 13, 1961

1960s

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF gets its first support from Presidents and First Ladies of the United States.

1967

“Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, in honor of this great humanitarian enterprise, do hereby proclaim October 31, 1967, and October 31 in each subsequent year, as National UNICEF Day.”
- President Lyndon B. Johnson

1967

President Lyndon Johnson signs a proclamation declaring Halloween to be National UNICEF Day in the United States.

1969

Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York, stars of TV’s Bewitched on set with children, preparing to go trick-or-treating for UNICEF. Dick York is dressed in a witch’s costume.

1969

TV’s Bewitched devotes a full episode to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

1970s

The cast of the Brady Bunch, on set of their TV show, posing with Trick-or-Treat collection boxes and a UNICEF sign.

1970s

Stars like Sammy Davis, Jr. and the Brady Bunch encourage more than 3 million children a year to say, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!”

1975

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Danny Kaye in the cockpit of his “UNICEF One” airplane, which he used to visit children in 65 North American cities in five days.

1975

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Danny Kaye promotes the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign by flying his own plane on whirlwind tours across North America to enlist children as volunteers. He touches down in 65 US and Canadian cities in five days, putting him in the Guinness Book of Records as the "World's Fastest-Flying Entertainer."

1970s-80s

The cover of a 1976 Caspar the Ghost comic book, showing Caspar Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF. The stars of the TV show CHiPs and children dressed in highway patrol outfits, pose with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes. Kermit the frog and his nephew, Robin, pose in a 1981 UNICEF ad announcing themselves as the years 'Chairfrogs.'

'70s-'80s

Characters like Kermit the Frog, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Spiderman and the stars of CHiPs get in on the act.

1990s

“Each child belongs to all of us, and they will bring us a tomorrow in direct relation to the responsibility we have shown to them.”
- Maya Angelou

1990s

Famous poet and writer, Maya Angelou, serves as Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Ambassador.

2000

A portrait of Brandy holding the 50th Anniversary Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box.

2000

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF celebrates its 50th anniversary with Brandy.

2002

Two women in headscarves give medicine to an infant. One holds the baby while the other administers oral medication. © UNICEF/UNI21671/Pirozzi

2002

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF funds are dedicated to eradicating polio. Since its founding, UNICEF and global health partners have helped reduce cases of polio by 99%.

2005

a satellite image of Hurricane Katrina over the Southeastern United States.

2005

The Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina spur U.S. kids to raise a record-breaking $18.25 million through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

2012

Heidi Klum, longtime Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF supporter, poses in front of a large Trick-or-Treat mural.

2012

Although Hurricane Sandy sweeps the northeast United States days before Halloween, Trick-or-Treaters and celebrities alike still come together to support kids around the world.

2015

A Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF promotional poster featuring the Peanuts comic characters in Halloween outfits.

2015

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF celebrates 65 years by teaming up with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of The Peanuts Movie Gang to encourage children to raise funds for UNICEF's lifesaving programs.

2017

Jennifer Lopez holds up a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box while appearing in a PSA helping UNICEF raise funds for hurricane relief for Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean.

2017

Icon Jennifer Lopez provides her support, helping UNICEF raise funds for hurricane relief for Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean.

2020s

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF logo, with a TV snow effect in the background.

2020s

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF goes all-digital for the first time. Total funds raised since 1950 top $195 million.

2024

Heidi Klum leans down to pose with a child who's wearing a blue blazer. They both hold yellow UNICEF Trick-or-Treat boxes.

2024

The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box makes a post-pandemic comeback! And Americans of all ages add some meaning to their Halloweening.

2025

Five female school students in checked uniforms in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, wave happily at the camera.

2025

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF celebrates a big anniversary with a host of special friends and exciting events! Here’s to the next 75 years of coming together for kids!

Orange box with the text Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, and Kids helping kids.
A Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box with many children's faces printed on the side.
UNICEF Sponsored Nationally by US Committee for UNICEF old box
A Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box with four simple cartoons of children printed on the side.
Black and white photo of Mary Emma Allison sitting among three children
Two orange collection boxes, both with logo silhouette line art of a mother holding up her baby, the two people surrounded by a wreath of peace. One box has the text 'Trick-or-Treat for the world's children, UNICEF. The other says 'UNICEF, Sponsored Nationally by U.S. Committee for UNICEF.'
At the end of Halloween night, children of previous generations deposit donations into a witch's cauldron for UNICEF.
A freezeframe of the title of the TV Show, Lassie, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s first TV appearance! Lassie barks in approval.
“UNICEF has caught the imagination of our people—especially our nation’s children whose Halloween collections have become a symbol of concern and an expression of tangible aid. I urge all my fellow citizens, young and old, to support UNICEF generously again this year.”
- President John F. Kennedy, October 13, 1961
“Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, in honor of this great humanitarian enterprise, do hereby proclaim October 31, 1967, and October 31 in each subsequent year, as National UNICEF Day.”
- President Lyndon B. Johnson
Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York, stars of TV’s Bewitched on set with children, preparing to go trick-or-treating for UNICEF. Dick York is dressed in a witch’s costume.
The cast of the Brady Bunch, on set of their TV show, posing with Trick-or-Treat collection boxes and a UNICEF sign.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Danny Kaye in the cockpit of his “UNICEF One” airplane, which he used to visit children in 65 North American cities in five days.
The cover of a 1976 Caspar the Ghost comic book, showing Caspar Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF. The stars of the TV show CHiPs and children dressed in highway patrol outfits, pose with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes. Kermit the frog and his nephew, Robin, pose in a 1981 UNICEF ad announcing themselves as the years 'Chairfrogs.'
“Each child belongs to all of us, and they will bring us a tomorrow in direct relation to the responsibility we have shown to them.”
- Maya Angelou
A portrait of Brandy holding the 50th Anniversary Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box.
Two women in headscarves give medicine to an infant. One holds the baby while the other administers oral medication. © UNICEF/UNI21671/Pirozzi
a satellite image of Hurricane Katrina over the Southeastern United States.
Heidi Klum, longtime Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF supporter, poses in front of a large Trick-or-Treat mural.
A Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF promotional poster featuring the Peanuts comic characters in Halloween outfits.
Jennifer Lopez holds up a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box while appearing in a PSA helping UNICEF raise funds for hurricane relief for Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean.
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF logo, with a TV snow effect in the background.
Heidi Klum leans down to pose with a child who's wearing a blue blazer. They both hold yellow UNICEF Trick-or-Treat boxes.
Five female school students in checked uniforms in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, wave happily at the camera.

Your participation is helping to keep millions of children:

Keep in Touch

Get updates on the amazing programs and urgent emergency responses you've helped support through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

Our Longtime Partners

Circle K International logo

Circle K International is one of the largest student-led collegiate service organization, with thousands of members on hundreds of campuses on five continents across the globe. Through their support of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, Circle K members have funded programs including the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus and the Plastic Bricks Project in Côte d’Ivoire.

Key Club logo

Key Club International is the largest student-led organization for high schoolers that empowers its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership. The funds they raised have supported UNICEF’s global efforts to provide early childhood education programs in Zambia as well as those to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

Learn More About UNICEF USA

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