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Frequently Asked Questions
What is "UNICEF"?
UNICEF is the United Nations Children's Fund
When created in 1946 to help children in war-torn Europe, China and the Middle East, UNICEF stood for "United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund". In 1947, UNICEF USA was founded, one year after UNICEF, to support UNICEF's lifesaving work for children
By 1953, UNICEF's task was extended to address the needs of children in the developing world. At that time, the words "international" and "emergency" were dropped from the organization's name, making it simply the United Nations Children's Fund. UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.
What is UNICEF USA's mission?
We work for the survival, protection and development of children worldwide through fundraising, advocacy and education.
How can I volunteer for UNICEF in the field?
UNICEF secures volunteers, who must have at least a Bachelor's Degree and two-to-five years' experience in their field of expert knowledge and skills, through the United Nations Volunteers program.
If you are a citizen of the United States and meet the above standards, send your resume to the United Nations Volunteers program at the following address for more information: United Nations Volunteers, c/o Peace Corps, 1111 20th St. N. W, Washington, DC 20526.
If you are interested in volunteering within the United States, click here to learn how.
May I donate non-cash goods for emergency relief?
Some have asked us about donating goods here in the U. S. for emergency relief efforts abroad. While we are grateful for the desire to help, UNICEF does not accept non-cash goods. Why?
Financial donations are the fastest and most efficient way to provide assistance. Donated goods must be screened, sorted, stored and transported. UNICEF pre-positions supplies to speed up delivery and sources them locally whenever possible. A blanket donated today can take weeks, or even months, to arrive abroad. A dollar donated today, however, will be arranged tomorrow to buy lifesaving supplies.
We also purchase supplies in large quantities to save money. That means your financial donation will get more supplies to more kids in need than your donation of non-cash goods.
