The K-Kids celebrated Halloween by participating in their fourth annual “Trick-or-Treat for Charity” collection drive.
The K-Kids’ charity of choice was Kiwanis International's worldwide service project ELIMINATE.
In partnership with UNICEF, Kiwanis International’s ELIMINATE project seeks to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) by 2015. MNT is a completely preventable killer that claims the life of a newborn baby or new mother every nine minutes.
To prevent this disease, mothers need a series of three vaccinations that cost a total of $1.80. Once vaccinated, a mother is protected throughout her childbearing years and passes her immunity to any child she gives birth to for its first two months of life.
Using orange UNICEF boxes, Bowling Green's K-Kids gave up their Halloween candy treats to help Kiwanis International raise the funds needed to eliminate MNT from the 39 countries where it remains.
Rich Santer, who serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Bowling Green K-Kids, was impressed by the K-Kids passion for this cause and the generous response of the K-Kids’ family, friends and neighbors.
More than 60 members trick-or-treated and collecting more than $1,200. The K-Kids board of directors were excited by the amount the club collected.
"This is the most our club has ever raised by trick-or-treating," K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli said.
The money will be donated to UNICEF partially through the New York District Circle K's Worldwide Service Project Medal program. By donating through the Circle K Governor's Project, the K-Kids will be able top recognize some outstanding members with NY District Circle K worldwide service project medals, as well as diamond-level medals.
The Bowling Green K-Kids Board of Directors is also considering donating part of the funds to UNICEF directly through the Kiwanis International Foundation, which could allow the club to be honored as a whole or provide recognition that the board could use to honor to a special individual.
With this donation, the Bowling Green K-Kids have raised over $3,500 for the ELIMINATE Project since making their first $1,000 donation at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas in June, 2010.
The Bowling Green K-Kids is proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow.
