Cartoon, Best Western to Aid UNICEF

Cartoon Network and Best Western International are teaming up to help tsunami victims.

The Turner Broadcasting System Inc.-owned cable service and the hotel chain have created the “Kids Help Out Matching Program,” aimed at helping to support UNICEF’s tsunami relief and recovery efforts.

As part of its "Best Western for a Better World" community-service program, Best Western will double the amount raised by children through the program, directing its recently announced $400,000 UNICEF donation to this matching-funds effort. Donations from kids will be matched retroactive to Dec. 26 and will continue through March 31.

Cartoon will air "Kids Help Out" public-service announcements featuring performers such as Clay Aiken, India.Arie and John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting singing "Give a Little Bit."

“The ‘Kids Help Out Matching Program’ gives children across the United States the opportunity to ensure a better future for their peers in South Asia -- boys and girls whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy," Cartoon Network executive vice president and general manager Jim Samples said in a prepared statement.

"We are thrilled to join Best Western in this collaborative effort to support the incredible work of UNICEF throughout the region,” he added.