/PRNewswire/ - Initiative Has Raised More Than $6MM Since 2006 to Help Make Hospital Stays Less Scary for Kids and Their Families

Spirit Halloween is pleased to announce that this year's Spirit of Children fundraising efforts have already raised $2.5MM in cash and merchandise for hospitals across the United States and Canada, in advance of Halloween. The goal is $3.5MM by October 31.

Through the Spirit of Children program, Spirit Halloween hosts Halloween celebrations for hospitalized children while providing funding to the Child Life departments, whose purpose is to help to make hospital stays less scary for kids and their families. Budget cuts and funding challenges have made it difficult for Child Life departments to obtain the necessary equipment, staff and resources required. Spirit of Children is designed to help bridge the gap.

Volunteer Spirit employees bring Halloween celebrations to the hospital with costumes, decorations and accessories.  Pumpkin painting, costume parades, Halloween games and crafts offer a temporary escape for the young patients.  Spirit Halloween raises money through partner vendors and customer contributions, both online and in-store in all of the nearly 1,000 stores in the United States and Canada.

"I'm proud that Spirit Halloween has already raised $2.5 million this year for the Spirit of Children program," said Steven Silverstein, Spirit Halloween President and CEO. "Our philosophy is that a great holiday should also do great good. That's why we started Spirit of Children. We try to help kids forget their worries for the day, give parents a break and provide the hospital with what they need. It's an honor to bring Halloween to children who otherwise wouldn't get to celebrate what is many kids' favorite holiday."

Every Spirit Halloween store raises money for its closest local hospital, keeping the impact within the community. There is no overhead and 100% of all funds raised go directly to the hospital. Each hospital uses the finances for what is most needed; Spirit of Children has funded a wide variety of resources including autism programs, full-time salaries, additional staff, TVs, DVDs, books, computers, toys and games – all designed to make the hospital experience better for children and their families.

The program has grown consistently since its inception in 2006. To donate, please visit your closest Spirit Halloween store or www.spirithalloween.com.

About Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween (www.spirithalloween.com) is the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in the country with nearly 1,000 locations in strip centers and malls across North America. The authority on all things Halloween, Spirit has offered one-stop shopping -- ranging from costumes to décor and party goods to accessories -- for nearly 30 years.  In addition to being a fun and interactive event for shoppers, Spirit stores offer complete selections of costumes and accessories for infants/toddlers, children, 'tweens, teens, adults, and even pets. At the heart of Spirit Halloween is the Spirit of Children program which brings fun and funding to hospitals at Halloween and all year long.

Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween (www.spirithalloween.com) is the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in the country with more than 870 locations in strip centers and malls across North America. The authority on all things Halloween, Spirit has offered one-stop shopping - ranging from costumes to decor and party goods to accessories - for more than 25 years. In addition to being a fun and interactive event for shoppers, Spirit stores offer complete selections of costumes and accessories for infants/toddlers, children, 'tweens, teens, adults, and even pets. At the heart of Spirit Halloween is the Spirit of Children program which brings fun and funding to hospitals at Halloween and all year long.

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