Representatives from Spirit of Children presented Providence Children’s Hospital Child Life Department with a donation of $77,860 at a ceremony held Thursday at the facility.
“The funds make hospital stays easier for young patients and their families through non-medical treatment and healing play,” Spirit officials shared. “Proceeds were collected at local El Paso and Las Cruces area Spirit Halloween stores, SpiritHalloween.com and from business partners.”
Officials added that One hundred percent of local donations stay in the El Paso community.
“Grants provided by Spirit of Children bring joy and smiles to young patients far beyond the Halloween season. Funding enables the hospital’s Child Life staff to acquire the best tools, education and training to help make pediatric patients stay a bit easier,” they added.
Officials say the funding helps the Child Life department purchase sensory, educational and entertainment items such as interactive bubble rovers, illuminated wall panels, fiber optic tunnels, iPads and toys used for distraction during procedures.
Spirit of Children funding has also helped hospitals create dedicated playrooms, teen lounges and separate family spaces for long hospital visits as well as fund pet, music and horticulture therapy programs.
The donation follows an alternate in-hospital Halloween celebration for pediatric patients made possible by Spirit of Children Halloween Care packages sent to all 147 partner hospitals in October.
“Providence Children’s Hospital patients enjoyed reverse trick-or-treating and other contactless activities with costumes activities and treat bags donated by Spirit of Children,” offficials shared.
In past years, Spirit Halloween volunteers hosted in-person celebrations at nearly 100 partner hospitals. Due to the pandemic, visitors were restricted from visiting hospitals to protect the health of both young patients, hospital staff and Spirit volunteers.
