The Daily Tell

With Haiti continuing to suffer the aftershocks of an earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people, leaving half a million homeless, the nonprofit charity organization UNICEF is working in full force to collect donations large and small to aid the children in the grief struck country.

Now, American Airlines has heeded the call, helping UNICEF by taking in a record-breaking $1.2 million for the charity in 2009 through change collections from travelers who choose to donate unused coinage to the Change for Good program.

Since the earthquake, all of the Change for Good funds collected have been earmarked to Haiti’s relief, rebuilding and recovery. On select international flights, as well as in the airline’s admirals clubs and flagship lounges, the American Airlines employee volunteers collect the change.

Every bit counts, according to UNICEF representatives.

"A little change goes a long way," said Caryl Stern, president of the U.S. fund for UNICEF. "American Airlines and its participation in the Change for Good program is invaluable to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for its ability to bring both funding and attention to UNICEF’s work. We are so thankful for the generosity of American Airlines customers and the dedication of the committed American Airlines employee volunteers who choose to help improve children’s lives."

The program solicits donations, much of it from foreign currency that passengers couldn’t use before entering the US, and some visitors from afar also left their dollars with the Change for Good program on their way out to help the cause. The American Airlines effort is supported by Airline Ambassadors International, a relief organization organized by American Airlines flight attendants.

Change for Good was established in 1987. American Airlines has been participating in the program since 1994, and has deemed its employee volunteer group that gathers the donations "Champions for Children."