Spirit of Children is a program on a mission to make hospitals less scary for kids and their families. This year, Spirit Halloween is aiming to raise $18M to support 162 pediatric hospitals and their Child Life programs across the US and Canada.

And the team is having a lot of fun doing it.

Brandon Baker, a Spirit Halloween Store Manager in Canton, Ohio, says Spirit of Children is what makes their jobs truly special.

“Every one of our associates and managers are educated as to what SOC is so we can show our customers how much this means to us,” said Brandon.

“We strive to create a fun atmosphere and positive environment for everyone involved because this goes hand-in-hand with our success. It’s not every day we get to work and also make a positive difference in the world.”

Across the country, the Spirit of Children program helps kids just be kids—even in the hospital—through Halloween parties filled with donated costumes, arts and crafts, festive food, and all the fun of the Halloween season. The smiles, laughter, and moments of normalcy created through these celebrations remind us all that a little fun can make a big difference.

And a little change—or a few dollars—can go a long way.

100% of each donation collected in Spirit Halloween stores and online goes directly to the Child Life departments at local partner hospitals. These funds support child life staff payroll, sensory and art equipment, educational materials, and celebrations that bring joy to children undergoing treatment.

One hospital partner, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was recently featured on a local news station and helped explain why Child Life departments are so important to fund.

“Child Life is really important. It’s not just fun and games,” says Susan O’Donnell, Sr. Director of Foundation Development, Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“They can explain things to kids. Make medical procedures more understandable for kids. This program is absolutely incredible.”

Since 2007, the Spirit of Children program has raised over $2M for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

In total, Spirit of Children has raised over $145M since 2007.