UNICEF: Clay Aiken's Mexican Holiday Album Coming Soon

UNICEF will release Clay Aiken's 2007 Christmas photo album soon, according to a post at UNICEF FieldNotes. In December, Clay traveled to Mexico to visit kids participating in UNICEF programs in the Central American country, as part of his duties as UNICEF ambassador.

It's been awhile in the making, but we've just put the final touches on Clay's album of photos from his holiday visit with kids at UNICEF programs in Mexico.

Everyone who donated $50 or more to Clay's appeal for Mexico will be getting a link to a PDF of the album this week via e-mail -- and signed copies for folks who were able to give $1,000 or more will be going out by postal mail shortly.

Keep your eyes open for yours, and let us know what you think!

Tidbits 1/4

• UNICEF FieldNotes - Clay's visit Mexico was a huge success, and Claymates responded with $110,000 for UNICEF's efforts in Mexico -

  Congratulations to everyone who participated in UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken's holiday challenge--once again you have amazed us and surpassed our goal of raising $100,000 to help the children of Mexico. Thank you so much for sharing the true spirit of the holiday season with children who need it the most.
  
  We're putting together Clay's Mexico Holiday Photo Album now -- in the meantime, here is one photograph we wanted to share with you to start off the New Year -- faces of two of the people your generous gifts are going to help.
  

• Winston Salem Journal - American Idol returns January 15 -

  American Idol (8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, on Fox, with additional episodes on Wednesdays): The biggest show on Fox returns for a new season. Will there be a new North Carolinian following in the footsteps of Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Chris Daughtry and the rest? Tune in and see.

• Clayigraphy - the "Claymate robber" strikes Michigan and elicits hysterical response from fans -

  My first reaction was OMG... No!... Clay's fans don't need any further press. And I stuck to my guns all night! Even posted that I thought Clay would be absolutely mortified if he were to see this (which he will) even though I continued laughing quietly to myself at all of the responses this story elicited.
  
  auntdementia:
  OMG!! BWAH!!
  
  Ya think she was trying to raise money for the "Dinner with Clay" auction?
  
  Good Baby Brush:
  The article next to the video says "Midland police said they know what motivated the woman to rob three banks, but won’t comment."
  Wouldn't it be a hoot if... nah *g*

• Carolina On My Mind - 2007 a big year for Clay nation and for Carolina Clay -

  Only a few hours old, 2008 blew into Carolina with blustery winter conditions for the mountains and bone-chilling, gusty winds for the middle of the state.
  
  As I watched reports of the atypical southern weather, my thoughts naturally transitioned from the continuous parade of wind chill factors to favorite soup recipes. In a previous blog, I shared some of these cold weather dishes; but, typically, the versions printed below have endured many alterations.
  
  While excitedly anticipating Clay's Jan. 18 Broadway opening as Sir Robin in "Spamalot," I, like most CA fans, have enjoyed this week's steady stream of 2007 replays by montage creators and graphic artists. The photo interlude below also reflects attention to the annual rewind.
  

Clay Back in NYC - Rehearsals Begins for Spamalot

Clay has arrived home from New York City after his UNICEF trip to Mexico over Christmas & the new year.

Clay posted what is probably his shortest blog to date - 8 words - to let us know that rehearsals are beginning, as planned for Spamalot.

UNICEF Goal of $100,000 Reached....And Then Some!!

The goal to raise $100,000 to help the children in Mexico has been reached! Not only that, but as of this writing, the donations have gone 9% above the goal, and UNICEF has $109,190 to help rebuild the lives of the children and their families in Mexico. Once again, Clay fans have come through and helped Clay make a difference!

Thanks to everyone who reached deep into their pockets to give.

UNICEF Fundraising - Last Call - 3% to Go!

We are ever so close to hitting the $100,000 target in Clay and UNICEF's fundraising drive for the children of Mexico. As of 3:55 PM EST, the total amount raised stood at $97,295! Way to go, everyone! Only a little bit more to go!

Last chance to donate ... click here for more information

Update 9:25 PM EST: congrats everyone! We've done it! Fundraising currently stands at 106%!

Tidbits 12/31

• LoveTripper - Clay brings joy to Mexican children's Christmas -

  Smiles were once again seen on the faces of little ones living in Chiapas and Tabasco, Mexico this holiday season, thanks to the combined efforts of UNICEF and platinum-selling perfomer Clay Aiken. Taking the trek with his mother and younger brother, the singer cherished his role as a south of the border Santa, delivering gifts to over 300 children in the flood-ravaged area. A UNICEF ambassador since 2004, his journey marked the fourth time that the American Idol runner up has traveled on behalf of the charitable organization, having ventured to Banda Ache, Uganda and Afghanistan in previous years.

• Los Angeles Times - Clay Aiken ready for "Spamalot" -

  Broadway is being "American Idol"-ized as Fantasia performs in "The Color Purple" and Clay Aiken prepares for his appearance in "Spamalot." And then there was the three-month, NBC-televised audition process known as "Grease: You're the One That I Want," which delivered the lead casting for the current Broadway revival of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's faux-'50s musical.
  

• Inside Bay Area Buzz - prediction for 2008 ... not really sure if this is good or bad; depends on your interpretation:

  Scandalous bad girls (i.e. Paris, Lindsay, Nicole) will be replaced by Hollywood bad boys. Zac Efron, the Jonas Brothers, Pete Wentz will all follow the king of all bad boys: Clay Aiken.

• Kinston Free Press - Kim Patrick to star with Quiana on Raleigh version of "Dreamgirls" -

  She will perform with Quiana Parler, a Charleston, S.C., native who has toured with Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson as a background vocalist and was featured in the Clay Aiken Christmas Show.
  

• Taking A Moment gives us the "GOOD CLAY FAN WORD OF THE DAY: votary" and some ideas for organizing our Clay collection -

  One day not long ago, I was doing some tidying up in one of my main backup auxiliary Clay shrines and decided to re-organize things. I have some pretty good stuff, if I do say so myself. But I had reservations on whether any of it was archived properly or protected to the fullest extent possible, or displayed to the best advantage. As a result of several days’ work and loss of many brain cells, I’d like to offer some practical tips on maintaining your clack collection.

• Clayigraphy - Chardonnay gives us a list of her favorite montages of 2007
  
• All That Is Clay Aiken - Clay Aiken & his different kind of Christmas
  
• UNICEF fundraising updates:
• Something That Really Happened
• Carolina On My Mind - fundraising close to 100%
• The ConCLAYve

Raleigh Chronicle's Article about Clay's Mexican Visit

The Raleigh Chronicle always comes through for Clay and this is certainly no exception. They ran a great story, titled "Clay Aiken Visits Mexico Over Holidays", about Clay's current visit to Mexico on behalf of UNICEF:

The Raleigh Chronicle 30.DEC.07
CHIAPAS, MEXICO — Raleigh native and recording star Clay Aiken spent the holidays as a UNICEF ambassador visiting children in Mexico that were affected by recent floods.

UNICEF says Aiken is traveling in the region with his mother and younger brother who is a Marine on leave from Iraq.

During his trip, the Aiken said in his blog that the airlines were delayed and also lost his family's luggage, but that after visiting with the people in Mexico, his problems with the trip felt insignificant.

"They have lost so much (much more than a few suitcases) but they have an unbelievable spirit and contagious joy," said Aiken in a post from the field. "This is the holiday season and the spirit of family and giving is alive and well here."

The event where Aiken was present was also attended by Isabel Aguilera de Sabines, the First Lady of the State of Chiapas and was held in the city of Ostuacán where 19 deaths were recently reported after a series of mudslides swept over the mountain community of Juan de Grijalva.

"They rolled out the red carpet for us and we celebrated the holiday together singing Jingle Bells and other holiday songs and even taking a whack at a piñata (and, believe it or not, I didn’t hit anyone!)" said Aiken in his blog. "As upbeat and positive as the people are they still need our help -- there is much to do to reconstruct their village and get their lives back to normal."

Clay Posts 3rd UNICEF FieldNotes, Fundraising at 72%

Clay has posted his 3rd UNICEF FieldNotes from Mexico:

Clay Aiken visits schoolchildren in Mexico

UNICEF Ambassador is visiting UNICEF projects in Mexico and blogging from the field.

"Les deseo un prosperó año nueva!"

Yesterday we spent a long, but rewarding, day visiting schools that were severely damaged by the floods. I had the opportunity to talk to many children who have been unable to attend school since the disaster struck. They are full of hope and excited to return to school soon.

We also had the unique opportunity to visit the largest shelter in Villahermosa, Tabasco. When we got there I began walking and immediately a little boy ran over to me with the biggest smile on his face. And of course I was confused that he was excited to see me since I am not well known in Mexico, but it all became clear when he pointed to my UNICEF t-shirt and gave me a hug.

Throughout my travels with UNICEF - to Indonesia, Uganda, Afghanistan and now Mexico - I have been greeted with this same warm welcome. Children everywhere know that UNICEF is there for them, to help them get the food, shelter and education they need to not only survive but to thrive.

I am so proud to be a UNICEF Ambassador and to do my part to help UNICEF as they take care of children in need around the world. And I thank you for joining me this holiday season to give to those in need.

C

P.S. Good news everyone! We have our bags - yes, even mine!

And with two more days left, fundraising for Clay and UNICEF's $100,000 appeal for Mexico is up to $73,000 - 73% of the goal!

Click here to donate

AmericanIdol.com Highlights Clay's UNICEF Trip to Mexico

AmericanIdol.com has posted a great article about Clay's current UNICEF trip to Mexico. Clay spent Christmas and will spend New Year's in Tabasco, Mexico which was recently severely damaged by hurricanes.

Clay Aiken Helps Out During the Holidays
December 28, 2007 - Posted by Dave

Season 2 runner-up and UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken is spending time in Mexico to help raise funds for those affected by recent flooding, the most destructive in some regions in the past 50 years. UNICEF estimates that 70% of the schools and all of the crops in the city of Tabasco, where Clay will be spending much of his time, have been damaged by the recent disaster.

Clay and his family are foregoing their own holiday vacation to spend time with affected families in hopes of spreading some holiday cheer in the affected areas. As a UNICEF Ambassador, this international trip is not Clay’s first humanitarian effort. Over the past three years, Clay has spent time in Afghanistan, Uganda, and Indonesia on behalf of the organization. With particular focus on families affected by respective situations in each country, Clay’s help and hands-on experiences within the regions has helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for humanitarian causes around the world.

[...]

Hopeful that his involvement will help raise $100,000 through UNICEF’s website before the end of 2007, Clay’s presence in Mexico is undoubtedly a bright spot in what has been a difficult time for the people of Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico.

Clay Blogs from Mexico

Clay has posted a blog from Mexico on his blog at the official fanclub. In the blog, Clay talks about his tour yesterday of Tabasco schools damaged by floods and how welcoming the children of Mexico were to him and the UNICEF team: one little boy had the "biggest smile on his face," Clay said.

We were also informed that United Airlines found Clay and everyone else's luggage, which they had apparently lost during their flight from the US to Mexico last week -- Never fly United "EVER", Clay warns.

Entertainment Tonight Covers Clay's Mexico UNICEF Trip

Entertainment Tonight ran a brief, but deeply heartwarming clip of Clay spending Christmas with children in Mexico on their show last night. Clay is currently in Mexico for UNICEF, drawing attention to the October hurricanes that devastated the central American country.

Here's the cap... thanks to Chexxxy's for the heads up!

Video of Clay in Mexico Shown on FOX 6 Milwaukee

FOX News 6 in Milwaukee aired a great piece about Clay's current UNICEF mission in Mexico. A cap is available at SendSpace and it should be up at ClackUnlimited soon! Update: now up on ClackUnlimited!

Thanks to the CB's Kitty4Clay and CV's Cap121 for these caps:

New Photos of Clay in Mexico

Two new photos of Clay in Mexico for UNICEF have popped up on a Mexican news website called Chiapas.gob.mx. The second picture, above shows Clay's mother Faye Parker in the background. The website ran an article about Clay's visit; here is a very rough English translation courtesy an online translation program:

December 24, 2007 *they Congratulate the youths that facilitated the psico-social recovery of the children

OSTUACÁN, Chiapas, December 24, 2007 - Elapsed almost two months since the rains caused landslides and floods in Chiapas, the memories of those tragic moments were forgot by some moments upon celebrating Christmas.

Children and girls of Juan of the Grijalva lived together this day with the lady Isabel Aguilera de Sabines and the ambassador-fame of the UNICEF, Clay Aiken who they visited the supportive camps, where the victims after the step of the cold fronts they are found 2 and 4 in the northern part of the state.

The president of the Consultative Civic Counsel of the DIF Chiapas, Isabel Aguilera de Sabines, indicated that "Christmas is a moment of special happiness in which the families meet and they enjoy the time you join; but these families suffered a catastrophe and they have lost it all. We are doing a great effort to offer these families the necessary support in these moments and to cover their basic needs of protection, health and education." Aguilera de Sabines affirmed also that "in this occasion, the DIF and UNICEF they have been united to bring enthusiasm and to generate a Christmas environment that permit to help that these children, girls, adolescents and their families recover the normality loss".

This celebration, that permitted to carry music, dances and piñatas to hundreds of children and girls and its families harbored in the camps of Ostuacán, is part of the contribution of UNICEF and of the DIF and is framed inside the actions of answer to support the children and its families affected by the emergency.

Likewise, the Committee U.S. for UNICEF (US Fund) and the singer and "Ambassador-Fame" U.S., Clay Aiken, they visited the camp of Ostuacán in order to supporting the families affected by the floods in Chiapas.

Along with the president of the DIF Chiapas, enjoyed the gestures of happiness of the infants after breaking the piñatas and to share cake and sweet; as well as of a musical spectacle and of clowns during the day.

Clay Aiken, was a winner in 2003 of the contest "American Idol", one of the most successful programs of new talents in the United States. Since that moment, Clay obtained a great popularity as the singer. He has sold hundreds of thousands of disks, has given concerts around the world and very is known by his CD "Merry Christmas with Love" ("Merry Christmas with Love"). Clay has written a book, acted in television and in musicals of Broadway and has become a great activist by the children.

Young capacitadores in Tuxtla

Besides celebrating Christmas in the camp of Ostuacán, DIF Chiapas along with UNICEF and their Ambassador-Fame, Clay Aiken, they wanted to carry out a honorable mention to the voluntary youths that were qualified to support with the psico-social recovery of the childhood chiapaneca. For it, they organized an event in the installations of the DIF in Tuxtla in which they recognized their valuable work during the period of emergency.

Eddy Robert Pérez López, who studies in the Technological Institute of Ostuacán, was one of these volunteers that contributed in great measure to change the attitude of the childhood affected with the cave-in of the hill in the community San Juan of Grijalva, "when we decide to support us encomtramos with sad children that nothing the toward happy... now after working with UNICEF, already sonrien, they are happy and have again dreams".

This 20-year-old youth, said "I feel very either for to have supported these children... feels well the to give although be a little time to quines they need us".

Answer of UNICEF to the emergency in Chiapas

The UNICEF answer actions to the emergency are framed inside the normal cooperation that UNICEF has in Chiapas, reaffirming its commitment toward the protection of the rights of the childhood chiapaneca in situation of emergency.

In coordination with the DIF State and the SEP, UNICEF has supported the training of students and officials of government in attention psicosocial for the recovery of children in situation of emergency.

In addition, these two pictures (which are pretty small) were posted to the Clayboard:

Tidbits 12/26

The CB's SmartyPantsSuz has posted her new montage ... "My Favorite Things of 2007" ... what a great way to end the year. Enjoy the clip, posted above via YouTube.

• Minneapolis St. Paul Star Tribune - Aiken receives "lacy undies" from fan -

  Word has it that when Clay Aiken performed with the Minnesota Orchestra last week a woman threw lacy undies on stage with her photo taped inside.

• WNDU NBC looks back at 2007: "CLAY AIKEN CONCERT: Throngs of DEDICATED fans who love their Aiken...a lot. Did I say A LOT? Somewhere Manilow is jealous."

• Carolina On My Mind - Clay closes 2007 Christmas tour in Indiana -

  Surrounded by family on and off stage, Clay Aiken closed his fourth holiday tour -- Christmas in the Heartland -- with a memorable performance at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville Saturday night.
  
  Accompanied by his mother and brother, Faye and Brett Parker, the singer departed Sunday for a special UNICEF tour through Mexico to survey the damage caused by the devastating floods in the Yucatan.
  
  In final thank you's and introductions, Clay recognized the show's core musicians and backup singers, behind-the-scenes crew, as well as his immediate family members in the audience.

• Clay Aiken visiting Mexico with UNICEF ... coverage from the Clay Aiken blogosphere:
• Chexxxy's Pearls
• Something That Really Happened
• The ConCLAYve
  

Clay's UNICEF Visit To Mexico Receiving Coverage at Home

Clay's Christmas and New Year's visit to Mexico as part of his UNICEF ambassador responsibilities has received some great press coverage since he left a few days ago:

• The photo of Clay with kids in Chiapas, Mexico appeared on page 2 of today's Raleigh News & Observer reports the CB's ClaytonClayniac:

  It was the PR Newswire photo, and above it -"AIKEN VISITS FLOOD VICTIMS." Below it, 'Clay Aiken, a Raleigh native and UNICEF ambassador, participates in a Christmas gift exchange and sing-along for children and their families staying at a camp for flood victims in Chiapas, Mexico.'

• The visit was also mentioned on FOX 11 Los Angeles this morning according to the CB's PS Bonnie:

  My husband emailed me from the LA area. He saw coverage of the Mexico trip on Fox 11 news at 5am. They also mentioned Spamalolt!
  
  Heard from my husband again. He clarified that it was the local FOX affiliate in LA. He said they showed video of Clay batting at a pinata.

• United Press International is running a wire story about Clay's trip:

  Aiken visits flood victims with UNICEF
  
  CHIAPAS, Mexico, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Recording artist and UNICEF ambassador Clay Aiken spent Christmas with his mother and brother visiting flood victims in southeast Mexico.
  
  UNICEF said Aiken participated in a gift exchange and sing-along with more than 300 children and their families at a camp erected for flood victims in the city of Ostuacan Tuesday.
  
  Aiken, his mother and brother, a Marine on leave from Iraq, will also be part of a UNICEF delegation scheduled to visit the state of Tabasco this week.
  
  "The situation in Chiapas and Tabasco has really become a forgotten emergency," Aiken said in a statement. "Telling the story of these brave people, especially the children, to a U.S. audience is the reason that I am here. Sharing this experience with my family during this time of year makes it even more special."
  
  Torrential rains in Tabasco and Chiapas in one weekend last month produced the worst flooding the region has seen in more than 50 years.
  
  More than 1 million residents of the two states have been affected, one third of which are children, UNICEF said.
  
  While the situation has been stabilized through the efforts of Mexico's government and U.N. agencies, thousands remain homeless and displaced.
  

It's not too late to donate to Clay's UNICEF fundraiser for Mexico, which currently stands at 51% of the $100,000 goal they hope to achieve by December 31. Click here for more information.

Tidbits 12/25

• Clay has posted Christmas greeting from Mexico to the official fanclub. Fanclub members can check it out here.
  
• Chicago Tribune via Detroit News - Barry Manilow in the news ... "Manilow, 64, has appeared twice on "American Idol," where he bonded with Clay Aiken."
• Dallas Fort Worth Star Telegram - Holiday Celebration on Ice mentioned in TV listings -

  Holiday Celebration on Ice: Sasha Cohen and Todd Eldredge host this holiday-themed skating exhibition, but it's guest Clay Aiken, not the skaters, who is likely to draw viewers. 3 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5

• Arizona Daily Star -

  "Capital One Holiday Celebration on Ice" with Olympian Sasha Cohen and musical guest Clay Aiken, 3 p.m., KVOA Channel 4.

• Northern Express - article about holiday music ...

  Holiday jazz from the ‘50s and ‘60s creates the perfect ambiance, but won’t steal the show. Pull out your Nancy Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin, and Ella Fitzgerald and make sure one of them asks, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” Besides the classic versions, nearly every known artist has done some cover version of this song, so you have a variety to choose from, whether it’s the Carpenters, Brian Setzer, Patti Labelle, or even Clay Aiken.

• ClaySpots ... a perfect Clay Aiken Christmas -

  This year, as I have the past four Christmases, I think about how my life has changed because of Clay Aiken. I remember going to my first concert in 20 years to see him, then of, course, I had to go again. And again. And again. 39 concerts later, I'm still planning on going to more. I've made so many friends and acquaintances because of Clay Aiken and this incredible fandom that has sprung up out of nowhere. I've discovered message boards and have met so many wonderful people at the concerts and pre and post-concert parties. I've seen some of my friends go to college, graduate, and get married! Others have passed away in the prime of their lives. Some live charmed lives yet others have problems that have made them stronger.
  

• The ConCLAYve on Clay's UNICEF visit to Mexico -

  In just four days, UNICEF supporters and fans of Clay Aiken have raised $44,000 toward this goal. In the spirit of the season, please do your part to help raise $100,000 to support recovery for the children and families of Chiapas and Tabasco.

• Hobbies - Clay Aiken arrives in Mexico
• Something That Really Happened - Clay making progress on UNICEF mission to Mexico:

  Great progress has been made on Clay's challenge to raise $100,000 by the end of the year to help those affected by the floods in Mexico. So far we have achieved 44% of the goal with $43,749 in donations. Please help if you haven't already done so!

Second UNICEF Field Notes Written By Clay

Clay's second field notes from Mexico have been posted at UNICEF's Field Notes Page. The field note entry is as follows:

[In the Field] Christmas Greetings from Clay Aiken in Mexico
UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken is visiting UNICEF projects for children affected by the recent floods in Mexico. He sent the following post from the field.

Merry Christmas to all from Mexico!

The past couple of days have been crazy – from delayed flights to lost luggage (yes, the airline lost all our bags – mine, mom’s and Brett’s – and mine’s STILL missing, so if you see it, could you send it my way?), to missed flights - if it could go wrong it did! But despite everything I couldn’t be happier than to be with my family and UNICEF in Mexico sharing the Christmas holiday with the people of Chiapas and Tabasco who have suffered such tragedy.

They have lost so much (much more than a few suitcases) but they have an unbelievable spirit and contagious joy. This is the holiday season and the spirit of family and giving is alive and well here.

Yesterday we were privileged to travel with the First Lady of Chiapas to the mountain village of Ostuácan. People here were severely affected by the recent flooding and mudslides. In fact, more than 2,000 people, many of whom are children, have lost their homes and are celebrating Christmas in shelters this year. But, they rolled out the red carpet for us and we celebrated the holiday together singing Jingle Bells and other holiday songs and even taking a whack at a piñata (and, believe it or not, I didn’t hit anyone!).

As upbeat and positive as the people are they still need our help. There is much to do to reconstruct their village and get their lives back to normal. Thank you on behalf of myself, UNICEF and the people of Chiapas for your generous donations… and if you haven’t already, please consider opening your heart to these wonderful people who have opened their hearts and homes to me.

More tomorrow from Tabasco… in the meantime, from my family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

CDD will post the next field report just as soon as it becomes available.

NewsWire Press Release/Photo Out of Clay's Visit To Mexico

Photo courtesy UNICEF via Yahoo News

CHIAPAS, Mexico, December 25, 2007: UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken celebrated Christmas at a flood shelter with the children of Ostuacan, Chiapas. In one weekend last month torrential rains in produced the worst flooding the region has seen in more than 50 years. More than one million residents from Chiapas and the adjoining state of Tabasco have been affected, one third of which are children.

A wonderful Newswire Press Release and Newscom photo is out about Clay's Christmas visit to Mexico with UNICEF.

Clay Aiken & Family Celebrate Christmas With Survivors of Mexico's Floods is the title of the article at Yahoo's Finance page. The article begins:

UNICEF Ambassador and critically acclaimed recording artist Clay Aiken today wrapped up the first leg of his trip to the flood affected areas of southeast Mexico by participating in a gift exchange and "sing along" with over 300 children and their families at a camp erected for flood victims.

The article goes on to tell of the devastation that took place in Tabasco and Chiapas due to the worst flooding in that area in over 50 years. This flooding has affected over a million people, and one third of those are children.

Clay tells us in the article:

"The situation in Chiapas and Tabasco has really become a forgotten emergency," said the U.S. pop star who became an ambassador for the children's agency in 2004. "Telling the story of these brave people, especially the children, to a U.S. audience is the reason that I am here. Sharing this experience with my family during this time of year makes it even more special."

To make a donation to the UNICEF relief work taking place in Mexico go to UNICEF's Mexico Donation Page at their site.

What a great article about Clay's efforts for UNICEF in Mexico. Hopefully this will draw more attention to the need in that area and donations will come pouring in for the children there.

UNICEF Fund For Mexico - 36% of Funds Raised Thus Far

As we know, Clay, his mom and his brother, are either about to leave for Mexico or are already there, visiting the children affected by recent flooding there.

UNICEF is trying to raise $100,000 to help these children get back on their feet after the devastating destruction. UNICEF's Mexico page says:

Over the holidays, UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken will be visiting UNICEF projects for children affected by Mexico's worst flooding in 50 years.

Help Clay raise $100,000 by December 31 to help the children of Mexico!

As of this writing, UNICEF has received $35,845, 36% of the total hoped for. This time of year, it is hard for people to find that extra little bit to give, what with Christmas expenses. But as Clay said in his UNICEF field notes,

UNICEF doesn't take a vacation. No matter what time of year it is, there are UNICEF staff in the field working hard to save children's lives. That's why I called my friends at UNICEF to tell them that this year I wasn't going to take a vacation either.

Thank you for your continued support of UNICEF.

Read all of Clay's field notes. Its a wonderful reminder of all Clay continues to do to make a difference for people in need.

It doesn't matter whether you can give big or give small to help reach the $100,000. $1 given by many people adds up just as $1000 given by only one. So whatever amount can be given, let's try to move the total closer to that $100,000 goal UNICEF and Clay have set. If you'd like to donate, you can go to the UNICEF Mexico Donation Page.

We'll keep you posted daily on the total as it grows until the deadline of December 31.

Clay gives and gives. Big or small, $1 or $1000, let's follow his lead and give.

Clay Taking UNICEF's Message to Mexico

In a blog posted today to the official fanclub and in an interview with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune, Clay announced that he will be spending Christmas with UNICEF in Mexico. While in Mexico, Clay will be UNICEF's eyes and ears as the country rebuilds in the wake of the devastating flooding that has hit the Central American country recently.

Clay will be accompanied by a UNICEF entourage and his mother Faye Parker, according the Star Tribune interview:

My mother and I are going to do a UNICEF trip to Mexico in the aftermath of the flood. I've done UNICEF trips to Uganda, Indonesia and Afghanistan. Possibly my brother, too. We may all spend our family holiday on a UNICEF field visit in Mexico this year. It'll be the first time that we've not done the same old thing for the holidays.