As fall rolls in and Halloween approaches, young patients at Advocate Children's Hospital find that the spooky season brings more than just costumes and candy. Thanks to our partnership with the Spirit of Children Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Spirit Halloween, this time of year is filled with joy and excitement, helping to make their hospital stay a little brighter. Since 2007, Spirit of Children has harnessed the thrill of Halloween to make a child's medical journey less scary, raising more than $145 million for children’s hospitals across North America.
Our partnership with Spirit of Children began during the 2023 Halloween season, when local Spirit Halloween stores invited shoppers to donate to Advocate Children's Child Life Program, resulting in a collective total of $23,965 raised across three stores. The momentum continued in 2024, with eight stores raising $63,111. This year, 13 Spirit Halloween stores will fundraise for the Child Life Program, promising an even greater impact.
"Spirit of Children and Spirit Halloween stores continue to bring joy, comfort, and support to our patients and families," said Melissa Cavanaugh, manager of the child life, creative arts therapies and education department at Advocate Children's Hospital. "Together, we are not only brightening hospital experiences today but also building momentum to have an even greater impact. We’re excited to grow this meaningful partnership and bring more smiles and healing moments to the families in our care."
Last October, the campus lobby at Advocate Oak Lawn was transformed into a pop-up costume shop, courtesy of Spirit Halloween. Members from local fundraising shops set up a “store” where patients – both inpatient and outpatient – along with their siblings and parents could “shop” for free Halloween costumes and accessories. Young patients picked out superhero outfits or princess gowns, with Spirit Halloween also donating bags of crafts, to ensure patients spending the holiday in the hospital could infuse their rooms with festive cheer.
"That day, my own daughter had a blood draw appointment," said Advocate Children's Hospital Child Life Specialist, Jamie Bruno. "Seeing her fear melt away as she was greeted by Spirit Halloween's team and picking out a costume meant so much. It was a welcome distraction when she needed it most. As a parent and someone who witnesses children's battles daily, I was moved. Spirit Halloween is bringing forgotten worries to so many of our brave children."
Funds raised help provide essential resources that bring joy and comfort to children during their hospital stays – like live in-room entertainment that sparks laughter, art therapy supplies, aquatic relaxation tanks, and bedside gaming systems. Donations also make it possible to offer toys and activities that help normalize the hospital experience, while creating comforting spaces such as playrooms and sensory-friendly zones.
Spirit Halloween stores supporting Advocate Children’s this year include:
- 1140 75th Street in Downers Grove
- 2 Orland Park Place in Orland Park
- 11375 Lincoln Highway in Mokena
- 13220 S. Cicero Avenue in Crestwood
- 336 Illinois Route 59 in Naperville
- 2406 Walter Payton Memorial Highway in Oswego
- 3156 West 103rd Street in Chicago
- 36 Danada Square West in Wheaton
- 2741 Plainfield Road in Joliet
- 7601 South Cicero Avenue (Ford City Mall) in Chicago
- 1155 E. Oakton Street in Des Plaines
Whether you're supporting children's health, promoting education or advocating for the arts, your generosity has the power to make a difference.