Frisca Boentarahendro remembers seeing children on street corners in Indonesia asking for change to buy food or medicine, and she remembers seeing the UNICEF symbol on a small hospital in a village back home.

When she saw the same symbol at Wichita State her freshman year, she knew she wanted to help out.

“I think we’re connected somehow in this world,” Boentarahendro said. “I’m really passionate about humanitarian issues and just helping people in general.”

Two years after joining the group, Boentarahendro is president of the WSU chapter of UNICEF (the United Nations Children Fund) and hopes to raise $5,000 by the end of the school year. Much of that fundraising will take place this week during one of two annual UNICEF campaigns — Trick or Treat for UNICEF.

The money raised will help give children around the world access to clean water, nutritious food, education and emergency relief.

“Everyone can participate,” said Kim Wong, WSU UNICEF vice president.

Group members will meet in Hubbard Hall 219 at 5 p.m. Thursday and then go “trick or treating” in Wichita neighborhoods, asking for change rather than candy.

“We ask everyone to dress up for it. It’s a fun event,” Wong said. “It’s a good way to get together and have fun while helping a great cause.”

While the bulk of the event will occur on Halloween, the group can continue to collect donations until December.

“It’s very valuable to me because I believe that every child, every person, deserves clean water and basic necessities,” Wong said.

Students interested in participating in Trick or Treat for UNICEF can join the group Thursday evening or ask for a UNICEF box to take door to door by contacting Boetarahendro at [email protected].

Donors can also contribute at http://www.crowdrise.com/wichitastateunicef.