Remington perfects her pumpkin craft at the Spirit of Children party at Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Hospitalized children who might otherwise miss the treat of celebrating Halloween attended a special, not-so-spooky party enabled by Spirit of Children, the philanthropic arm of Spirit Halloween stores.
The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, a Children’s Foundation initiative, partners with Spirit of Children, which gives 100 percent of its donations toward Child Life departments at 150 partner hospitals across the country. Spirit of Children’s fundraising mission is to make hospitals less scary for kids and their families during their stay.
On Wednesday, October 12, Spirit of Children hosted a party so children at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM) could stop by the playroom to choose a costume and celebrate the season; the spirit of Halloween was definitely in the air!
“When kids in the hospital can celebrate important events like this, they don’t miss out,” said Sinead Nimmo, Child Life Projects Specialist at CHM. “Kids can swing by the playroom, and it helps take away stress.”
The party created an opportunity for hospitalized kids to celebrate this fun time of year and ultimately benefit their overall health and morale.
“As soon as we told him, he was excited,” said Patricia Chapman about her three-year-old son, Alistar who attended the Spirit of Children event. “I’m really happy Alister can do this; we often can’t do stuff like Halloween because of his condition.”
The staff from Spirit Halloween stores shared in the children’s excitement by handing out Halloween kits with crafts, treat bags, and of course, costumes such as Wonder Woman, Mad Hatter, and a dinosaur.
Remington, four-years-old, chose a witch costume putting her hat on immediately. She smiled as she decorated a pumpkin craft. Remington’s mom said, “She was excited to come here today. She even let me brush her hair and she never does that.”
With Spirit of Children’s support, hospitalized children not only have a fun and memorable Halloween, but throughout the year patients feel safe and supported by their Child Life Services team.
