Spirit Halloween presented the WVU Medicine Children’s Child Life Program with $115,975 in donations from customers that are part of their stores’ Spirit of Children initiative.
“Spirit of Children is at the heart of what we do at Spirit Halloween. We strive to not only provide an amazing Halloween experience, but to also give back to our neighbors and bring Halloween to those who may not be able to get out and celebrate,” Joshua Bloom, Spirit Halloween zone manager, said.
“It’s so heartwarming for our Spirit team to get to see the generosity of our guests and know that 100 percent of their contributions go to WVU Medicine Children’s and to children in their local communities right here in West Virginia. Even the smallest amount of giving can help change a child’s life in a big way.”
These funds help the WVU Medicine Children’s Child Life specialists, who support all patients – from infants to adolescents – who are in the hospital. Child Life helps children cope with the stress or uncertainty of their illnesses by providing bedside activities, education before and after medical procedures, medical play to allow patients to become familiar with equipment, and developmental play to promote growth.
This year, Spirit Halloween’s donations will help with Child Life salaries, training, and restocking sensory carts for patients.
“We are so thankful for Spirit Halloween and the joy and happiness they bring to patients and families each year,” Megan Mezzanotte, WVU Medicine Children’s Child Life supervisor, said. “We are proud of our partnership and grateful for their endless support and dedication.”
Spirit Halloween has been raising money for WVU Medicine Children’s through its Spirit of Children program since 2009. Over time, the program donated more than $936,000 back to the hospital.
Stores throughout West Virginia; Uniontown, Pennsylvania; and Winchester, Virginia, collected donations in person, online, and from other business partners as part of Spirit Halloween’s 40th anniversary celebration.
Each year, Spirit Halloween also holds a Halloween party at WVU Medicine Children’s. Patients are given costumes, crafts, and other treats to celebrate the holiday.
“Spirit of Children promotes and provides an additional layer of support to our patients and families through normalization, play, and therapeutic sensory items,” Mezzanotte said. “The Halloween party provides them with the gift of normalization as we celebrate Halloween when they otherwise may have missed out on the events at their school or with family and friends.”
For more information on WVU Medicine Children’s and the Child Life Program, visit WVUKids.com.