Annual Spirit of Children fundraiser makes hospital stays less scary for children

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 20, 2022 - PRLog -- Spirit Halloween's Spirit of Children campaign will donate 10% of purchases made through Oct. 31 in Southwest Florida stores to Golisano Children's Hospital. In addition, the company gifts costumes, decorations and crafts for a Halloween-themed party for children at the hospital.

Anyone shopping at Southwest Florida Spirit Halloween stores can present the 10% off coupon or enter DONATE22 at checkout when shopping at SpiritHalloween.com. Shoppers are encouraged to round up their purchase price to maximize Spirit Halloween's donation. Participating stores include:

• Fort Myers: former Steinmart, 13300 S Cleveland Ave.; former Aarons,

525 Pine Island Road

• Estero: Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road
• Naples: former Norris Furniture, 13995 Tamiami Trail N.; former Toys 'R Us, 5305 Airport Pulling Road
• Port Charlotte: Former Pier 1 Imports, 18500 Veterans Blvd.

"Our associates are the backbone of the impactful Spirit of Children efforts that have helped so many children and their families at our partner hospitals. Without their commitment to sharing our mission with guests, our vendors and licensing partners, this milestone would not be possible," said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. "We remain committed to supporting Child Life Departments and the critical work they do to make hospitals less scary for kids and their families."

In 2021, the Spirit of Children campaign resulted in a donation of $69,496 to the Child Life professionals of Golisano Children's Hospital during Child Life Month in March. The certified Child Life Specialists bring joy and comfort to hospitalized kids and their families through evidence-based techniques such as medical play and therapeutic disciplines to help normalize the hospital experience.

Spirit of Children has gifted more than $322,000 since partnering with Golisano Children's Hospital. In 2020, funds raised were used to equip sensory rooms which help patients with special needs to cope with hospital stays and doctor appointments. The sensory rooms include fiber optic lights, bubble towers, exercise balls and many squeeze balls with different textures. Even simple toys can calm a child in a new setting.

About Spirit of Children

At the heart of Spirit Halloween is Spirit of Children, a program which focuses on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families. 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 using #SpiritofChildren and #MoreCowbell in their photos. For more information, please visit: www.SpiritOfChildren.com.