Alabama Students Lead Nation in UNICEF Fundraising
High school students across Alabama are raising money for UNICEF with a $10,000 state goal, and their effort has grown to six schools.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Students at Alabama high schools are leading the nation in UNICEF fundraising, with the state chapter working toward a $10,000 goal and having raised nearly $5,500 so far. The effort began last year when Oak Mountain High School junior Jai Varikuti started Alabama's first UNICEF chapter.
Why it matters
The initiative shows how student-led campaigns can contribute to international child welfare efforts, with the chapter now operating in six Alabama high schools. Its standing among more than 600 participating high schools nationwide places the state's students at the top of the country's UNICEF fundraising.
The Alabama chapter has raised nearly $5,500 of its $10,000 goal, and a $5 donation can provide a child with safe water for a year. Fundraising continues until November 21, and the final total has not been determined.
The players
UNICEF
UNICEF is the United Nations agency founded in 1946 after World War II to provide humanitarian aid and support for children worldwide.
Jai Varikuti
Varikuti is a junior at Oak Mountain High School who founded Alabama's first UNICEF chapter and leads its expansion across the state's high schools.
The details
Students organize bake sales, car washes, and business partnerships, and donations are collected through orange and white UNICEF boxes placed at various businesses. Varikuti started the chapter after seeing a news story about children carrying water during a natural disaster, and the group has since expanded to six high schools across the state.
Timeline
Varikuti's involvement with UNICEF began during his freshman year, after he saw a news story about children carrying water during a natural disaster.
Last year, Varikuti started Alabama's first UNICEF chapter.
Fundraising efforts end on November 21, 2026.
Roadmap
The effort extends UNICEF's post-World War II mission of child relief, founded in 1946, into a grassroots model driven by high school students. Alabama's chapter is one of more than 600 participating high school efforts that channel small donations toward water and survival needs for children.
Residents who want to support the effort can donate through UNICEF boxes placed at participating local businesses. A $5 contribution can provide a child with safe water for a year, making small donations a practical way to help before the November 21 deadline.
The takeaway
Small, locally organized donations can add up to meaningful support for children's basic needs, and student initiatives show how community participation can scale across a state.
What happens next
Fundraising efforts close on November 21, when the Alabama chapter's final total will be reported.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage to see how other organizations are raising funds for global causes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WVTM 13.
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