Trick-or-treaters across Moore County have a new mission this Halloween: to help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT).

This deadly disease steals the lives of nearly 60,000 babies every year. The effects are excruciating - tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.

The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills, Pinecrest High School Key Club, Episcopal Day School and The O'Neal School are joining forces to raise funds and fight this terrible disease through the Eliminate Project.

Students will carry custom UNICEF boxes and collect donations instead of candy to help this worthy cause.

Since 1950, Trick or Treat for UNICEF has raised nearly $5 million for iodine deficiency programs worldwide, HIV and AIDS programs in Kenya and Swaziland, and Operation Uruguay: Protecting the Rights of Children.

Previously, Kiwanis and UNICEF achieved one of the most significant public health successes of the 20th century when they joined forces to address iodine deficiency disorders. Today they are focusing on the Eliminate Project to eliminate MNT from the world.

In 2010, Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills committed itself to become a model club and raise $81,000 over the next five years for this project.

Coffee cups at weekly meetings enable members give up their morning latte or cappuccino and donate the cost to help fight MNT.

A portion of the club's fundraising events, including annual blueberry sales and 50/50 raffle, are also earmarked to help fulfill this commitment. A visit from Kiwanis International Trustee Elizabeth Tezza on Nov. 14 will provide a first-hand understanding of how other Kiwanians are working together to eliminate MNT.

"Our members are committed to children," said Suzy Carlton, current president of Kiwanis of the Sandhills, "both in Moore County and throughout the world. We want to do our part to makes things better for the next generation. Our club's pledge to the Eliminate Project is part of that commitment."

For more information on The Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills, their programs, special events, and membership, visit www. sandhillskiwanis.org.