Halloween for Hunger

December 14, 2005, Washington, D.C.

Members of the Washington D.C. area chapter of Youth for Human Rights International joined Kids Can Free the Children in their campaign to collect donated cans of food for the needy. The youth, between the ages of 5 and 14, dressed in costumes and joined the ranks of trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. Instead of asking for candy, they requested donations of food from their neighbors in Vienna. Over 200 pounds of food were collected – 209 cans and boxes in all – and delivered to Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food in Northern Virginia. The food will be distributed throughout the area to families in need.

The "Halloween for Hunger" campaign is led by Kids can Free the Children, an organization composed of youth who are working to improve the lives of children throughout the world. With the collection of canned food, children are made aware of the problem of poverty close to home, and they begin to think of ways that they can make a difference. 

The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International is to teach youth around the globe about Human Rights, thus helping them to become valuable advocates for the promotion of tolerance and peace. Nick James, the 14-year-old president of the Northern Virginia chapter of Youth for Human Rights International, says, “We all have the right to food, but sometimes people need help. It’s important that the community pulls together to make sure children taken care of.”

Even younger children can experience a positive sense of accomplishment from helping others. Nick’s younger brother, Ian James, age 8, sums it up nicely. “It’s more fun to do ‘Halloween for Hunger’ than it is to go trick-or-treating just for candy, because you get to feel like you help people. It’s feels really good!”