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The basics:

• Spirit Halloween hosts Halloween parties at 160+ pediatric hospitals across the US
• Events feature costumes, games, arts & crafts, and seasonal treats for children
• Spirit of Children has raised $145M since 2006 to support hospital programs
• Local impact: $1.1M raised for Virtua Health to fund child-friendly enhancements

Spirit Halloween is hoping to make lengthy hospital stays less scary for kids.

As part of its long-running Spirit of Children fundraising campaign, the Egg Harbor Township-based seasonal retailer is hosting Halloween parties in October at over 160 pediatric hospitals across the U.S.

Designed to give pediatric patients and their families some much-deserved fun and comfort, the celebrations include costumed characters, arts and crafts, games, treats, and, of course, a wide array of costumes for children to select, wear and keep.

The events are made possible by hospital staff, Spirit of Children volunteers and costume donations from Spirit Halloween’s vendor partners, according to the chain.

Within Spirit Halloween’s home state of New Jersey, festivities took place Oct. 13–17 (Spirit of Children Week) at:

• Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick
• Virtua Voorhees Hospital in Voorhees Township
• K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune

Samantha Greenbaum, director of nursing for pediatrics at Virtua Voorhees, described the Oct. 14 party as “a spirit-lifter” for the more than 100 young patients and their families, as well as the staff. The annual “Spirit of Children” celebration transformed a hospital meeting room into a festive Halloween wonderland, complete with costumes, crafts, pumpkin painting, games and seasonal snacks.

“This event creates a sense of normalcy for kids who are spending time in the hospital around the holiday,” she said.

‘Helping kids be kids’

Since 2006, Spirit of Children has raised $145 million to more than 162 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. According to the organization, the support assists child life departments in a number of ways, including increasing staff, funding sensory rooms and helping establish art, music, pet, aquatic and horticulture therapy programs.

This year, Spirit of Children aims to contribute an additional $18 million for partner hospitals via donations from customers, vendors and licensed partners.

Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, associate director of community and philanthropic development for Spirit Halloween, said, “The most rewarding part of this work is knowing that 100% of every dollar raised stays within the local community. The funds directly support programs that help children experience a sense of normalcy while in the hospital, through costumes, trick-or-treat events, and special holiday celebrations. Our average donation at the register is around $1.50, which really shows how even the smallest contributions can add up to make a big impact.”

“At Spirit Halloween, doing the right thing always is an essential part of who we are. Spirit of Children is a priority because it embodies who we are as a company. We love to have fun, and we are proud of our commitment to our communities. Each year, we see how this program brings moments of happiness and normalcy to children who are facing difficult circumstances,” she said, adding, “We’re helping kids be kids, even while they’re in the hospital.”

Creating ‘a less scary place’

Now in its 14th year supporting Virtua Health, the Spirit of Children program has raised more than $1.1 million locally to fund child-friendly enhancements throughout Virtua’s pediatric programs. That has included pediatric sensory rooms and child-friendly MRI experience designed to make the hospital environment more welcoming and less intimidating.

Amy McLeer, Virtua’s manager of philanthropic engagement, shared, “We’re fortunate and grateful to continue this partnership with Spirit. The funds provided to Virtua Health through Spirit’s grants stay within Virtua Voorhees Hospital and Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, ensuring that our pediatrics and Child Life teams can support children in the hospital setting, fulfilling Spirit of Children’s mission to make the hospital a less scary place for kids and their families.”

Considered the go-to place for costumes, props, accessories and decorations, Spirit Halloween has opened more 1,500 stores this spooky season. Its parent company, Spencer Spirit Holdings Inc., is also bringing back a Christmas-themed pop-up this year to 30 locations in the U.S.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:48 a.m. EST Oct. 20, 2025, to note the celebrations are taking place at more than 160 hospitals across the U.S. (the story previously said 140 facilities).