Spirit of Children launches annual celebration week
Spirit Halloween’s charitable foundation, Spirit of Children has announced its annual Spirit of Children Week, beginning 9 October, 2023.
The foundation has successfully raised over $110 million and has set a goal to secure an additional $18 million in 2023. This funding will further support its events across more than 150 partner hospitals in North America, bringing joy and entertainment to patients and their families facing prolonged hospital stays.
Throughout the week, a range of Halloween festivities will unfold, courtesy of Spirit of Children and its hospital partners. These include in-person costume parties, trick-or-treating, parades, and other seasonal celebrations. Each event will incorporate donated costumes, celebration kits featuring activity books, and treat bags, generously provided by suppliers affiliated with Spirit Halloween.
Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween, expressed the integral role of Spirit of Children in the company's mission, emphasizing the special relationships fostered with hospital partners over the years. Acknowledging the efforts of hospital staff and Spirit Halloween volunteer employees, Silverstein highlighted the positive impact of these events on children and families undergoing challenging hospital experiences.
Terry Spearman, Manager of Child Life Services at Children’s National Health System, praised Spirit of Children for recognizing the holistic needs of a child's well-being and expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership benefiting Child Life Specialists. Similarly, Kayley Laseter, Senior Program Coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, stressed the critical support received from Spirit of Children for sustaining specialized Child Life services within their hospitals.
Guests at Spirit Halloween stores contribute to this cause by donating in-store, ensuring that 100% of the funds directly benefit local hospital partners. These funds enable hospitals to enhance resources, such as hiring staff, extending hours, expanding therapy programs, and incorporating educational items.