Alabama High School Students Lead Nation in UNICEF Fundraising Efforts
High school students in central Alabama are currently leading the nation in fundraising for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Their collective goal is to raise $10,000 to support children in third-world countries. Jai Varikuti, a junior at Oak Mountain High School, initiated Alabama’s first UNICEF chapter after being inspired by a news story during his freshman year about children carrying water jugs in areas affected by natural disasters. The initiative has since expanded to include six high schools across Alabama: Oak Mountain, Hoover, Spain Park, James Clemens, LAMP, and Bob Jones. These students are organizing various fundraising activities such as bake sales, car washes, and partnerships with local businesses. As of November 12, 2026, the Alabama chapter has raised nearly $5,500, making significant progress towards their $10,000 target, with fundraising efforts scheduled to continue until November 21. A donation of just $5 can provide a child with safe water for an entire year, highlighting...
