Trick-or-treat season is a great opportunity for service. 

Hey, CKI! Did you know that UNICEF USA and Circle K International have partnered to help make a difference in the world? We’re talking about real change — the kind that will make an impact on children and families in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa.  

Brick x Brick is our initiative to transform plastic waste into eco-friendly bricks—which are then used to build schools, giving thousands of kids the opportunity to learn in a safe and structured environment. Plus, the project creates jobs for women in local communities, empowering them economically and environmentally.  

UNICEF’s goal is to build classrooms for over 100,000 children — how incredible is that? 

We can all help make this happen by participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. It’s one of the longest-running UNICEF initiatives, and it’s a perfect way to get involved around Halloween. The concept is simple: Instead of asking for candy this Halloween, ask for donations! You’d be surprised how many people want to support a great cause during the Halloween season.

And this event isn’t restricted to October 31. You’re encouraged to plan a Brick x Brick fundraising event throughout the month of October. You can take to the streets with your friends or even host a table on campus to collect donations. If you’re looking for a fun twist, consider organizing a larger Halloween-themed event.  

One example: Your club could host a Haunted Trail fundraiser! Imagine transforming a campus walkway into a scary, thrilling experience where people donate to enter. The best part? This is also a service opportunity for your members! The Haunted Trail can be as big or as modest as you want it to be. You can: 

  • Partner with other clubs or Greek organizations to build themed sections of the trail.  
  • Have actors in creepy costumes jump out, design haunted scenes and even create some interactive scares!  
  • At the end, donors can learn all about where their contributions are going: to help children in need. 

If haunting isn’t your style, don’t worry. You can host a movie night, a pumpkin-decorating contest or a Halloween party where admission fees go to the cause. You can even get creative with a virtual event — such as a Halloween trivia night. Ultimately, the goal is to get as many people excited and involved as possible. 

And remember, every dollar counts! Even the smallest donation helps UNICEF provide the building materials, education and support needed by the children of Côte d’Ivoire. You don’t have to raise thousands — just get your campus community involved, spread the word and watch how quickly those donations add up! 

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get out there this October and raise some funds for Brick x Brick to support UNICEF’s work. Together, we can make a difference — one brick, one dollar and one classroom at a time. Go to the CKI Brick x Brick page for resources and information on how to donate. Happy fundraising, CKI!