On Dec. 9, the McLean United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Club participated in the Highlander Holiday Bazaar to raise money for underprivileged children across the globe.

“The Holiday Bazaar [is] a great way to help our community, while enjoying the Christmas spirit with friends and family,” sophomore Nancy Portillo said.

McLean’s Highlander Holiday Bazaar opens its door to a variety of local businesses and school clubs, allowing students, friends, and family to demonstrate their support.

“[Our UNICEF Club decided to] have a hot chocolate bar, where people can customize their own hot chocolate and put different toppings on it,” said senior Nora Villar, a co-vice president of the UNICEF Club.

The hot chocolate bar provided a wide selection of toppings including whipped cream, white and milk chocolate chips, cookies, marshmallows, sprinkles, and Hershey sauces.

The club also sold different goods such as baked treats, crocheted ornaments, hot chocolate bombs, UNICEF t-shirts, and the chance to ice your own cookie to help their cause.

“All of our [proceeds] go directly to UNICEF,” said senior Meera Shah, the other vice president of the club.

UNICEF, a United Nations agency, has several programs dedicated towards helping children who are currently suffering from war, poverty, natural disasters, and a multitude of other situations.

“There’s nothing better than helping those in need,” Portillo said. “Even the little things count [so] it brings me joy to see people doing what they can to help.”