Spirit of Children About Spirit of Children

What We Do

Spirit of Children has been making hospitals less scary for children and their families since 2006 by providing fun and funding to Child Life Departments within children's hospitals. It started with Halloween parties at 11 hospitals in 2006. Today we have 154 partner hospitals across the United States and Canada.

What We've Accomplished

Throughout the Halloween season, all Spirit Halloween stores conduct in-store fundraising. Since 2007, we've successfully collected over $93 million in cash and merchandise to support the efforts of Child Life Specialists who provide therapeutic and emotional healing to young patients while doctors and nurses focus on medical treatment.

Where Donations Go

100% of your donation goes to your local partner hospital to support the Child Life Department. Funding provides salaries for Child Life Specialists and Fellows, a full-time Child Life presence in the Emergency Department, creation of dedicated playrooms, teen lounges and family space, and the ability for our hospitals to purchase sensory and educational equipment, computers, iPads and distraction toys for use during procedures as well as toys created specifically for physical and developmental limitations.

Your donation enables Child Life Specialists to help families navigate through challenging medical situations and hospital stays using healing through play, therapeutic programs including art, music, aquatics, horticultural and much more.For more detailed information about our charitable cause, please visit our FAQ page.