# UNV210-11 - 1996 UNICEF 50th Anniversary

The United Nations General Assembly created UNICEF on December 1, 1946. This tiny operation helped children affected by the devastation caused by World War II, mainly by supplying dried milk. From this humble start, UNICEF has grown to become the world’s leading advocate for children.

 

Walt Disney Co. artists created the artwork for this year’s UNICEF stamps, each of which features a well-known children’s story.

 

“Hansel and Gretel” (S5.50), by the Brothers Grimm, tells how two disobedient children are lured to a gingerbread house by a wicked witch. By using their wits, they are able to escape the witch, who wishes to eat them.

 

In “How Maui Stole Fire From the Gods” (S8), a young boy enters the realm of a giant who serves as the guardian of fire. Maui defeats the giant and brings fire to earth for all of mankind to use.