Spirit Halloween Brings the Magic of Halloween to Patients in Children's Hospitals with Annual "Spirit of Children Week" Parties

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J., Oct. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit Halloween, the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in North America, kicks off "Spirit of Children Week" on October 16, which provides fun and funding to pediatric hospitals across the US and Canada. Spirit of Children will host nearly 100 Halloween parties in partner hospitals, to bring normalcy and optimism to patients who otherwise wouldn't be able to participate in Halloween festivities. This year, shoppers are encouraged to help spread the word and raise even more money through a fun and interactive social media initiative #MoreCowbell, featuring the iconic Spirit of Children cowbell.

Since its inception in 2006, Spirit of Children raised more than $37 million in critical funding for Child Life departments year-round at 139 partner hospitals. Spirit of Children's 2017 goal is to raise a record $8 million by increasing customer donations at Spirit Halloween's 1,300 stores as well as contributions from vendors and business partners. One hundred percent of funds raised each year benefit specific local hospital partners, keeping every dollar in the local community.  Shoppers will have the opportunity to make a donation in-store, and will be prompted to take a photo or video of themselves ringing the purple Spirit of Children cowbell and post it to social media using #MoreCowbell and tagging @spirithalloween.

"Spirit of Children provides kids in hospitals with much-needed play and distraction," Steven Silverstein, President and CEO of Spirit Halloween said. "We see first-hand how our parties create magic that transcends the kids' difficult situations and provides a sense of normalcy as families navigate through challenging and heart-wrenching medical situations. Every child should be able to experience the joy of Halloween."

This season, Spirit Halloween team members will supply more than 80,000 costumes, accessories, activities and décor items in order to throw the ultimate Halloween parties. At many locations, patients and their families will have the thrill of meeting one of their favorite TV or movie characters, including Saban's Power Rangers, Cartoon Network's Ben 10, Adventure Time's Jake the Dog, Chuck E., from Chuck E. Cheese and Warner Bros. Batman, making the event even more memorable.

A hospital's Child Life department helps patients and their families regain a sense of normalcy by providing them with guidance and coping mechanisms in these times of stress and fear. The grants provided by Spirit of Children enable the hospital staff to acquire the best tools, education and training for these situations. The funds assist in hiring additional Child Life staff, extending Child Life hours and providing a full-time Child Life Specialist in the Emergency Department, as well as purchase educational and entertainment items such as iPads and toys used for distraction during procedures. Spirit of Children funding has also helped hospitals create dedicated playrooms, teen lounges and separate family space for long hospital visits.

About Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween (spirithalloween.com) is the largest Halloween specialty retailer in the country with 1,300 locations in strip centers and malls across North America. Celebrating 34 years of business, Spirit is the authority on all things Halloween, offering one-stop shopping for everything from costumes to decor and party goods to accessories. 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, and adults along with exclusive decor you won't find anywhere else.

At the heart of Spirit Halloween is Spirit of Children (spiritofchildren.com), a program which focuses on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families. Since its inception in 2006, Spirit of Children has raised over $37 million for the Child Life department at hospitals across the country. Donations to Spirit of Children stay within local communities, with 100% of funds going toward a child's life. For the 2017 Halloween season, Spirit of Children will be supporting 139 hospitals across the country, with a goal to raise $8.0 million. Spirit encourages customers to help make a difference in a child's life this Halloween season by donating at their local Spirit Halloween or spreading awareness via Facebook and Instagram by using #SpiritofChildren in their photos.

SOURCE Spirit Halloween