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Local resident raises thousands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

By Tabitha Johnston - Chronicle Staff | Jun 14, 2024

Marc Petitpierre, of Charles Town, collects donations for UNICEF in front of the Market House during the Shepherdstown Farmers Market, which is held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — As shoppers visit the Shepherdstown Farmers Market on South King Street on Sunday mornings, many pass by a stand in front of the Market House, at which a local resident faithfully solicits donations for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Marc Petitpierre, of Charles Town, has come to be well known for his enthusiastic involvement in political protests in downtown Shepherdstown, Charles Town and Martinsburg. It wasn’t until a couple years ago, however, that he realized he wanted to expand his work to help children in need, especially those hurt by natural disasters and the wars in Ukraine and, more recently, the Gaza Strip.

“It’s about focusing attention and being empathetic with all of the innocents,” Petitpierre said. “UNICEF helps kids everywhere. I think kids are the most innocent of victims, and that’s where I come from when I volunteer to help with UNICEF. I’ve got a lot of political agendas, but this is not political — this is about the kids.”

While he is unsurprised when people disagree with his political signs, he finds it immensely disturbing when they disagree with his UNICEF signs. Petitpierre said that whether or not to help children in need, regardless of what side they happen to be on in a political situation, should not be up for debate.

“Occasionally, people get upset,” Petitpierre said. “Especially when it gets personal and derogatory, I have to recognize that it is a reflection on them.”

However, Petitpierre has been pleased to find that the majority of local residents appear to be supportive of his work.

“Really, it is overwhelming at how many positive responses there are,” he said. “That’s what keeps me going about this, being impressed with the attitude and the generosity of most of the people.”

Along with raising funds for UNICEF at the Shepherdstown Farmers Market, Petitpierre also raises funds in Martinsburg and at the Charles Town Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. The idea with soliciting donations at the markets, according to him, is that people will already have their wallets out then, so they will be more likely to give. For those who don’t have cash on-hand, Petitpierre ensures they are still are able to donate to the cause, by providing them with information on how to mail checks to UNICEF or how to donate on UNICEF’s website, using a QR code.

“There’s no excuse if they don’t have cash, because there’s all kinds of other ways to donate,” Petitpierre said.

UNICEF sends receipts regularly, as proof that 100 percent of the cash raised has been donated to the nonprofit organization. From these, Petitpierre said he can prove that his efforts have raised over $11,000 for UNICEF since April 2022.

“There are other reputable organizations, and I tell people that there are, such as Doctors Without Borders and World Food Kitchen,” he said. “If they donate to them, that’s great, because they help, too! But I feel like children are the most innocent of victims, and UNICEF’s focus is on helping the children.”