Spirit Halloween: Making Hospitals Less Scary For Kids

By: Milo Goodman on 7:32:00 PM

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Spirit Halloween is the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in the country, but its work goes beyond helping shoppers ring in and celebrate the spookiest season of the year. Spirit of Children, the company's charity program, has raised over $37 million for 140 Child Life Departments at various hospitals over the past decade. Spirit's efforts transcend simple fundraising, however, as it also uses its eerie expertise to host unforgettable Halloween parties for pediatric patients in hospitals around the country. In its own words, Spirit of Children brings "fun and funding" to those who need it most - but its commitment to the "fun" is what really brings the program to the next level.

Hospital stays, no matter the cause or the length, can be isolating and demoralizing for children; kids often report feeling afraid and anxious during their time as patients "regardless of the incidence of invasive of painful healthcare." Spirit's Halloween parties help to combat this by establishing a much-needed sense of normalcy and optimism for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to experience the joy of the holiday. From pumpkin decorating and face-painting to toilet paper mummy racing, the seasonally spooky activities leave attendees with a renewed spirit and memories that will last a lifetime.

Spirit Halloween is a great example of a company that is doing CSR right: its chosen cause caters to its audience of children and families and reflects its core message of spreading Halloween cheer. Plus, it brings smiles to the faces of those who need it most, and that signifies success in my book.