The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations program headquartered in New York City. It provides long-term humanitarian and development assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. UNICEF Kid Power gives kids the chance to make a change. (UNICEF.org)

UNICEF Kid Power allows young people to have the chance to make a difference just by walking. Participants can attain a PowerBand, which is UNICEF’s version of a Fitbit, but the PowerBand connects to an account on UNICEFKidPower.com. Every time a participant walks 2,500 steps on their PowerBand it equals 1 power point. When you get 10 power points, they turn into a food package to feed starving kids around the world.

UNICEF started after World War II on December 11, 1946, and since then has impacted millions. In 1954, Danny Kaye, UNICEF’s Ambassador-at-Large, made a movie about UNICEF’s work in Asia, which has been viewed all over the world The Declaration of the Rights of the Children was written in 1959, which gives children the right to protection, education, healthcare, shelters, and good nutrition. The Nobel Peace Price was given to UNICEF in 1965 for “the promotion of brotherhood among nations.” UNICEF drafted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1980, and in 1985, it passed. Today, UNICEF is still carrying on their tradition of helping children all over the world get the food they need. Now, UNICEF operates its Kid Power program, which is globally recognized and supported by well-known athletes Alex Morgan, David Ortiz, and Tyson Chandler. Talk show host and comedian Ellen Degeneres has advocated for UNICEF on The Ellen Degeneres Show as well with UNICEF claiming over 275 celebrity supporters, from movie stars to singers.

Northmont student freshman Zoe Blair makes a contribution to the organization by walking every day. After school, Blair walks everywhere from the mall to around the block. She has walked over 34,000 steps in one day. Blair wears a PowerBand that tracks how many steps she takes. When she gets home, she enters those steps onto her account. Every time she walks, it helps feed hungry kids. As a special education student, the 15 year-old doesn’t let a disability stop her from making a difference in the world.

UNICEF Kid Power is always looking for more volunteers and donators. To get involved go to UNICEF Kid Power and create an account. Get a PowerBand at Target for $39.99, and start walking to help children around the world.