EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J., Oct. 09, 2018 — Spirit Halloween, the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in North America, kicks off “Spirit of Children Week” on Oct. 15, benefitting Child Life Departments at 140 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Through the Spirit of Children program, Spirit Halloween will host nearly 100 Halloween parties at partner hospitals so patients, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in Halloween celebrations, can enjoy the fun of the season despite being in the hospital.
Since its inception in 2007, Spirit of Children has raised more than $45 million in critical funding for Child Life Departments at 140 partner hospitals. With a goal of $9 million dollars this year, funds for Spirit of Children are raised via donations from customers at 1,325 Spirit Halloween stores and SpiritHalloween.com, in addition to contributions from vendors and business partners. 100% of funds raised each year stay local and are donated to the community’s partner hospital.
“Spirit of Children provides kids in hospitals with much-needed play and distraction,” Steven Silverstein, President and CEO of Spirit Halloween said. “We see first-hand how our parties create magic that transcends the kids’ difficult situations and provides a sense of normalcy as families navigate through challenging and heart-wrenching medical situations. Every child should be able to experience the joy of Halloween.”
Spirit Halloween is encouraging more awareness for Spirit of Children with its #MoreCowbell initiative. Customers ring an iconic purple cowbell each time a donation is made to Spirit of Children at a Spirit Halloween store. Donors are encouraged to post a photo or video of themselves ringing the iconic cowbell using #MoreCowbell and #SpiritofChildren to encourage others to participate and bring more happiness and smiles into children’s lives.
This season, Spirit Halloween team members will supply more than 80,000 costumes, accessories, activities and décor items needed to host the ultimate in-hospital Halloween parties. At many locations, patients and their families will have the thrill of meeting one of their favorite TV or movie characters, such as Ben 10 from the Cartoon Network, Chuck E. Cheese and iconic superheroes including, Warner Bros. Batman.
The grants provided by Spirit of Children enable the hospital Child Life staff to acquire the best tools, education and training. The funds assist in hiring additional Child Life staff, extending Child Life hours of operation and providing full-time Child Life specialists in the emergency department. Hospital Child Life Departments help make the hospital experience easier and more comfortable for young patients and their families by providing all non-medical treatment and healing through play. Additionally, funds will help purchase educational and entertainment items such as iPads and educational toys used for distraction during procedures. Spirit of Children funding has also helped hospitals create dedicated playrooms, teen lounges and separate family spaces for long hospital visits.
To learn more about Spirit of Children or to help Spirit Halloween reach its $9 million goal, please visit a store near you or SpiritHalloween.com.
