US party retail group Spirit Halloween has been donating some of the $12.4 million it raised in 2020 for its Spirit of Children charity, which aims to make hospital stays and visits ‘less scary’ for children.
Spirit Halloween, the largest Halloween retailer in North America, exceeded its 2020 donation goal with $12.4 million raised thanks to the generous contributions of its customers.
Over the last few weeks, representatives of the group have been visiting children’s hospitals and departments across the US, donating the much-needed funds.
Spirit Halloween donated nearly $180,000 to the Child Life Department at UPMC Children’s Hospital, over $94,000 was given to the Oishei Children’s Hospital Child Life Department in Jersey Shore, while the Phoenix Children’s Hospital was presented with a cheque for more than $176,210.
“We are so blessed to be a partner of Spirit Halloween and a recipient of their Spirit of Children fundraiser,” said Christine Neugebauer, Covenant Children’s manager of integrative care, which received a grant for $33,604 just last week. “In a year when so much changed, we are happy to see Spirit Halloween’s generosity and commitment to caring for children remained steadfast.”
Since 2007, Spirit of Children has raised more than $67 million for Child Life departments at more than 140 pediatric hospitals in North America. The organisation also hosts hundreds of Halloween parties in US hospitals each October so the children do not have to miss out on all the spooky fun.
“We’re honoured Spirit of Children continues to provide magic for children in hospitals through fun and play,” said Steven Silverstein, president and ceo of Spirit Halloween.
Funds for Spirit of Children are raised via in-store donations and online, in addition to contributions from vendors and business partners. 100% of funds raised by Spirit of Children stay local and are donated to each hospital’s Child Life department.
