UNICEF Ambassador is visiting UNICEF projects in Mexico and blogging from the field.
"Les deseo un prosperó año nueva!"
Yesterday we spent a long, but rewarding, day visiting schools that were severely damaged by the floods. I had the opportunity to talk to many children who have been unable to attend school since the disaster struck. They are full of hope and excited to return to school soon.
We also had the unique opportunity to visit the largest shelter in Villahermosa, Tabasco. When we got there I began walking and immediately a little boy ran over to me with the biggest smile on his face. And of course I was confused that he was excited to see me since I am not well known in Mexico, but it all became clear when he pointed to my UNICEF t-shirt and gave me a hug.
Throughout my travels with UNICEF - to Indonesia, Uganda, Afghanistan and now Mexico - I have been greeted with this same warm welcome. Children everywhere know that UNICEF is there for them, to help them get the food, shelter and education they need to not only survive but to thrive.
I am so proud to be a UNICEF Ambassador and to do my part to help UNICEF as they take care of children in need around the world. And I thank you for joining me this holiday season to give to those in need.
C
P.S. Good news everyone! We have our bags - yes, even mine!

Comments (16)
Unicef is a wonderful organization and they have chosen a great guy to act as one of their ambasssadors. I have become a huge fan of Unicef and it was born from being a huge fan of Clay's. His championing of this charity has opened a lot of hearts and minds to the work you do.
I'm proud to be a fan of both.
Posted by Anne | December 28, 2007 8:16 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 20:16
Clay:
Thanks for the update from Tabasco. It is good to know that there are signs of hope among those displaced by the floods. I've been blogging to raise awareness of your $100,000 UNICEF challenge --- just click on my name below to see those posts.
I have a feeling that children are drawn to the love that radiates from you, as well as to your UNICEF shirt. May all of our spirits join together to bring comfort to those affected by this tragedy,,as they work to rebuild their lives.
Thanks to you and to UNICEF for all that you do.
And may I echo your greeting? For the people of Chiapas and Tabasco, and for all of us, "Les deseo un prospero año nuevo!"
Posted by mmtberkeley | December 28, 2007 8:27 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 20:27
God Bless UNICEF, the children in need around our world and our Clay! May the new year bring peace and understanding but most of all hope!!
Posted by SMc | December 28, 2007 8:37 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 20:37
Clay Aiken soy tiene un grande corazon!!
Posted by Ludie O'Hearn | December 28, 2007 10:11 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 22:11
That photo of Clay holding the little boy just touched me so much. I sent my donation to help this effort. God bless Clay for reminding us of the real meaning of the season.
Posted by Carol | December 28, 2007 10:30 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 22:30
I remember UNICEF way back when I was still in grade school back in my country in Asia. The teachers who were mostly nuns then used to have a box for monetary funds for UNICEF and other World Organizations. We would give a part of our recess money to the fund without really understanding the meaning of UNICEF. However, in a young girl's mind, it meant helping the poor (children's faces were all over the fund box). It did not really matter how much we contributed. I think the teachers and nuns were trying to teach us kindness to others and willingness to share. I am really happy that Clay is very much involved with this wonderful organization. I am glad UNICEF tapped him to be one of their ambassadors.
God Bless UNICEF and its STAFF for their noble acts. God Bless Clay, the Claynation and its friends for always lending a helping hand when needed. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
Posted by Sienna | December 29, 2007 12:53 AM
Posted on December 29, 2007 00:53
I am looking forward to hearing how our donations are at work for the children of Tabasco. Clay, I hope one day you have a chance to return to some of the UNICEF project sites and see first hand the changes being made. I also wanted to add that the pictures are touching.
Posted by Sally | December 29, 2007 2:45 AM
Posted on December 29, 2007 02:45
Thank you UNICEF and Clay for turning the spotlight on this impoverished region of Mexico. I'm hoping that people will give generously to help these children return to a normal quality of life.
Posted by Debbie | December 29, 2007 11:27 AM
Posted on December 29, 2007 11:27
Clay,
You have no idea how I would like to help UNICEF again, but we are in a bind right now and it is just impossible. My prayers are with you and maybe you could spare one for me.
Next time I will make up for it.
You're an Angel to give your time like you are.
Love always,
Kathy
Posted by Kathy | December 29, 2007 2:00 PM
Posted on December 29, 2007 14:00
Here I am watching the Mexico total for Unicef to go up after I donated, and it didn't move. Then I noticed that I clicked on the "Donate" button on top menu and not the "Donate button for Mexico" blog. Duh!
However, the first donation doesn't help your Mexico goal. Now Unicef got two donations from me. So all in all ...maybe it wasn't a mistake.
Everything happens for a reason!!!
Tracey in Arizona
P.S. If this is a duplicate I apologize, the Post button is not doing anything.
Posted by Tracey in AZ | December 29, 2007 4:24 PM
Posted on December 29, 2007 16:24
It makes me sooooo happy that Clay is doing something to help OUR children in Mexico. I was born and raised in the United States but both my parents were in Mexico and so was my husband. I actually live in Eagle Pass,Tx. a small town bordering Mexico. My husband and I are both teachers and have a deep love for our Mexican children. I only have one thing to say to Clay. TE AMO POR TODO LO QUE HACES POR NUESTROS NINOS.
Debbie Gloria
Posted by Debbie Gloria | December 29, 2007 9:33 PM
Posted on December 29, 2007 21:33
I have really enjoyed reading the blogs from this trip to Mexico Clay. This last one has really touched my heart the most.
There is power in words, and this last blog is perfect in how it gives a face to just how important the UNICEF word is. Not just because it's a title, but because it's an organization that always goes the extra step to make sure that it is in place the second a need arises.
It is sad to think of the horror's these children have had to endure, but to see in their reactions that hope and faith have not left them is empowering. How noble that UNICEF is working hard to help get the needed services back as soon as possible, because as a mother I know that stability is a healer. I think that is one of the reason's I know why its so important to support UNICEF when ever possible.
Many of us have grown past the little cardboard boxes we tagged along when we were little during Halloween. I remember well Danny Kaye asking me to do my part to help other children in need. I am so proud to see Clay stepping up to the plate and in doing so, filling some pretty big shoes. What he is doing is not only bringing awareness to the tragic situations, but showing the hope, the need, and once again reminding others that the needs of the children is still there.
God Bless Clay, God bless UNICEF, and most important, God Bless the children.
Posted by deborah | December 30, 2007 2:43 AM
Posted on December 30, 2007 02:43
Clay, it isn't just the t-shirt. Children recognize a good heart just as readily.
Thank you for bringing attention to the needs of these people living in such devestation. While war and violence may not always touch our lives, we all live at the mercy of Mother Nature. I am glad to know there are people like you and organizations like Unicef there to help.
Happy New Year, and may you reach your goal!
Posted by Cindy | December 30, 2007 9:45 AM
Posted on December 30, 2007 09:45
Clay:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the good you are doing . It is because you are such a fine example of giving from the heart that we give as much as we can.
I just got finished now donating what little I could , but I believe every little bit helps.
God Bless You Clay for being such a remarkable Ambassador .
Posted by Joanne Savard | December 30, 2007 7:55 PM
Posted on December 30, 2007 19:55
Truly you have a gold mine with Clay Aiken for the better of humanity cause he truly is the real deal..I am so happy Unicef took him in..he has a heart bigger than the universe and a following that has the same.he has opened our eyes and mind to the world.. because you were wise enough to see it.. thank you Unicef.. you have helped make us all a better person..
Posted by JR | December 31, 2007 12:35 AM
Posted on December 31, 2007 00:35
It was an honor to be part of this fundraising effort!! Clay, keep on keeping on--you make us proud, and you make us strive to be the best we can be! Bravo! And kudos to the Clay Nation for coming through on this effort.
I feel like celebrating!
Posted by Marilyn | December 31, 2007 5:01 PM
Posted on December 31, 2007 17:01