“Spirits” were high in the Mass General for Children (MGfC) inpatient playroom as patients, families and staff gathered to celebrate a recent philanthropic milestone. Since 2007, Spirit of Children — the charitable arm of retailer Spirit Halloween — has supported the Child Life and Pediatric Integrated Therapies Program at MGfC, with the shared goal to make hospitals less scary for kids. Its most recent gift of $130,766 marks an important occasion in Spirit’s longstanding relationship with Massachusetts General Hospital, bringing its cumulative giving to more than $1 million.
In the Giving “Spirit”
When Spirit of Children first reached out to MGfC in 2007, the Child Life Program was small but growing. Spirit had one request: to host a Halloween costume party for pediatric patients, their families and hospital staff. The Child Life Program staff enthusiastically agreed, and a beloved tradition began. Spirit’s generosity did not stop there: that year, Spirit Halloween also began collecting donations from shoppers at Boston-area stores through a point-of-sale campaign.
Since 2007, Spirit of Children has returned to MGfC’s inpatient playroom on Ellison 17 every October for what is now an annual celebration. “Spirit of Children is the cornerstone to everything we do at Spirit Halloween, and the close bonds we have developed with all our partner hospitals through the years have been incredibly rewarding,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween and founder of Spirit of Children. “Spirit of Children events bring moments of normalcy and the joy of imagination to everyone involved, most importantly for children and their families.”
Kevin Rogers, the father of a young MGfC patient, has witnessed firsthand the impact of this unique partnership. “This Halloween, my son was in the hospital. We had three kids at home but couldn’t get costumes for them in all the chaos,” he says. “When our family came to the Spirit of Children Halloween party, there were costumes there for all four kids. We all felt so welcomed by Spirit and the child life specialists.”
“Spirit of Children’s continuing support allows us to do the best work we can for our patients.”
Helping Children Feel Like Children
Spirit Halloween’s campaign has provided discretionary funds to the Child Life Program as they work across MGfC inpatient and outpatient settings, delivering services such as developmentally appropriate preparation and education for medical procedures and building positive coping skills. The Child Life & Integrated Therapies Program also oversees art therapy, music therapy and has recently welcomed a new four-legged member to the team — Kayce, a therapy dog.
Resources from Spirit of Children enable child life specialists to personalize their support for patients and families. For instance, they can use these funds to buy playroom activities, birthday supplies and other milestone celebrations to create a comfortable, child-centered environment. Additionally, the funds can be used to provide specialized sensory and distraction equipment for patients in distress or who may experience sensory processing disorders.
“Spirit of Children’s continuing support allows us to do the best work we can for our patients,” says Ashley Reardon, a child life specialist at MGfC. “We are so privileged for the trust and flexibility their funds give us to meet each family’s unique needs.”
Celebrating a Milestone
Over 18 years, the Child Life Program has grown from 5 to 18 specialists. The program has demonstrated the power of long-term partnerships with community members. Recently, patients, families, child life team members and representatives from Spirit of Children gathered — donning purple and gold accessories in honor of Spirit’s signature colors — to commemorate Spirit surpassing $1 million in total giving to MGfC.
“Our donors have a choice about where they give their money,” said Erika Rosato, RN, MHA, DNP, associate chief nurse for MGfC, at the celebration. “We are so grateful to Spirit for choosing to build this relationship with our Child Life Program and bringing our patients so much happiness.”
To support the Child Life Program at Mass General for Children, click here.
