UNICEF Kid Power Event Inspires Los Angeles Families

Chewbacca and R2-D2 support UNICEF Kid Power at L.A. Live.

Getting to hang with Chewbacca and R2-D2 is pretty hard to beat, and the kiddos were super excited to do just that this past weekend to support UNICEF Kid Power at L.A. Live.

Kids helping kids — that was the motto at the downtown LA event, which hosted tons of families, special guests and even a marching band. In an effort to both get kids more active and to help feed malnourished children around the globe, UNICEF created this arm of its organization to support those two worthy causes. Presenting sponsors of the event were Star Wars: A Force for Change and Target.

Inspiring kids to get active is the UNICEF Kid Power Band ($39.99), which tracks kids' activity that in turn unlocks funding that goes toward providing necessary Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food packets to children in severe need.

"We are looking to get as many children active to empower them to help in global malnutrition, so essentially UNICEF Kid Power is about unleashing your inner hero for the benefit of kids all across the world," Amber Hill, UNICEF USA regional managing director, Southern California, tells L.A. Story.

In addition to getting photo ops with the "Star Wars" guys, kids could also make their way through the Target maze, play in fun ball pits (Will liked this option) and hula hoop with "School of Rock" actress Jade Pettyjohn (that was CC's fave).

And knowing that we were helping other kids in the process only made it that much better.

So what can families do to help?

"Become active," Hill says. "Not only do we have the UNICEF Kid Power Band, but you can download the app and connect the app with your health kit on your phone, so you can participate as a family. And there's content and videos that take you on a virtual journey through the app, so you can continue to learn more about UNICEF and the children that you're helping across the globe. Literally every step can make an impact."

Coming Attraction: UNICEF Kid Power Celebration at LA Live

Kids and their families all over the Los Angeles area are invited to get active and save lives in a special UNICEF Kid Power Celebration happening this Saturday, May 13, at LA Live.

Featuring a "Star Wars"-themed activity, a Target crazy maze, games and main stage entertainment, the action-packed event will encourage kids to channel their activity into unlocking 1 million Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) packets for malnourished children around the world.

How can you help? First off, join in the free event.

Also, to help inspire kids to get out and get active, the UNICEF Kid Power Band ($39.99) tracks kids' activity (something greatly needed, as 1 in 4 American children aren't getting enough), which in turn unlocks funding that goes toward providing necessary RUTF packets to children in severe need around the globe.

Similar to a Fibit for kids, the band counts kids' steps, helps children set activity goals and also tells the time. It doesn't require a data plan, and there's no GPS tracking. Just sync it to your smartphone and let your kid run, jump and just play.

The UNICEF goal is to unlock 1 million RUTF packets in the month of May.

In addition to the activities, special guests will include Dartanyon Crockett, a UNICEF Kid Power champion and two-time Paralympic judo medalist; actors Joshua Rush, Jade Pettyjohn, Talitha Bateman and more.

So come on downtown! I bet never has activity felt so good!

UNICEF Kid Power Celebration
Saturday, May 13 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Microsoft Square at LA Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015