LANSING, Mich. — To ensure Halloween was not one of the childhood hallmarks getting canceled this year, Spirit of Children delivered one-of-a-kind care packages to more than 140 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, including pediatric patients at Sparrow Children’s Center.
Each care package contained assorted costumes, activity books, crayons and treat bags. Child Life Specialists “reverse trick-or-treated” with the children by delivering the packages individually to patients’ rooms. Photos are available here for use. Videos are available upon request, as well as virtual interviews with a pediatric patient, patient family or the Sparrow Children’s Center team to speak to the Halloween festivities.
Since 2007, Spirit of Children has donated nearly $385,000 to the Sparrow Children’s Center Child Life program, funding sensory equipment to help turn any hospital room into a relaxing and empowering multi-sensory room. This year, Spirit of Children, which is focused on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families, has set a record goal of raising $11 million, mainly through donations raised in Spirit Halloween stores. Since its creation in 2006, Spirit of Children has raised more than $65 million specifically on behalf of Child Life Services at
hospitals across the United States and Canada. Donations to Spirit of Children stay within the communities they are raised, and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated directly to their local pediatric hospitals.
"Spirit of Children has been at the heart of our organization for more than a decade,” said Steven Silverstein, President and CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We are honored to bring a sense of normalcy to some of the toughest times a family and child go through, and that dedication doesn’t stop in a pandemic. We are determined, now more than ever, to bring the magic of Halloween to pediatric patients, even if we can’t be there in person this year.”
“Every child, sick or well, needs and wants to play,” said Dr. Stephen Guertin, Pediatric Intensivist at Sparrow Children’s Center. “Play is essential for their mental and physical health. Spirit has partnered with our Child Life Program to guarantee that every sick child who is able to play gets that chance. The kids, their families, Child Life and the Children's Center are profoundly grateful to the Spirit of Children program.”
The funds raised by Spirit of Children cannot happen without the outpouring of support from local communities. Customers ring the iconic purple cowbell when they donate to Spirit of Children at checkout. Donors are encouraged to post a photo or video of themselves ringing the cowbell loudly and proudly using #MoreCowbell and #SpiritofChildren to encourage others to participate and bring smiles to children’s lives.
To learn more about Spirit of Children or to help Spirit Halloween reach this year’s $11 million goal, please visit a store near you or visit SpiritofChildren.com.
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