Announcing the first-ever Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Costume Party, where you can join the 2011 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Ambassador Heidi Klum (as well as me and my son) in donning digital designs that also support UNICEF and kids around the world.

We wanted to invest our resources in children’s lives and a deferred charitable gift annuity seemed like a good way to give today. A deferred charitable gift annuity is a practical way to make sure that we are making a significant contribution in the present and also securing income for our own future. In these uncertain economic times, it is really the ideal tool to fit our donating goals. We are able to commit considerable resources to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and still make sure we have provided for our retirement.

Tired of looking at your old car? You know, the one still sitting in your driveway that ceased to function, and be considered “cool,” about twelve years ago? Well, The U.S. Fund for UNICEF might be able to help.

Years ago, when my husband’s company started to achieve some measure of success, one of our first discussions involved each of us picking a charity in order to start giving back. For me, the decision was easy. UNICEF was, and always will be, my first choice.

In the currency of 8 year-olds, stuffed animals are quite a sacrifice. Plus his allowance, too? You could say he offered his most precious belongings and worldly resources to help kids he doesn’t know and will likely never meet.

Bernard Taylor is the Vice Chair of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Southeast Regional Board