For children navigating an illness or hospital stay, trading a hospital gown for a superhero costume is far more than a fun afternoon. It is a vital dose of normalcy, laughter, and hope. This is the guiding mission behind Spirit of Children, which is marking its landmark 20th anniversary this year by setting its most ambitious milestone yet: a $20 million fundraising goal for the 2026 season.
Founded in 2006 by Steven Silverstein, CEO of Egg Harbor-based Spirit Halloween, what began as a heartfelt effort with a few local hospital parties has grown into a powerhouse movement. Today, Spirit of Children partners with more than 160 pediatric hospitals across North America, its largest network to date. Since fundraising officially launched in 2007, the initiative has raised more than $164 million to support hospital Child Life departments.
The milestone celebration will be highlighted by Spirit of Children Week, taking place from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16, 2026. During the week, dedicated Child Life specialist teams and Spirit of Children associates will transform pediatric hospital wings into magical Halloween havens.
Carrying truckloads of costumes, crafts, and supplies, volunteers and healthcare staff will host festive costume parties, trick-or-treat parades, and interactive celebrations for young patients and their families. Over the course of the program’s history, more than 500,000 costumes have been donated, empowering children to temporarily leave behind the stress of treatment and simply enjoy being kids.
“Celebrating 20 years of Spirit of Children is an incredible milestone, and this year’s $20 million fundraising goal reflects our deep commitment to making hospitals less scary for kids,” Silverstein said. “Every dollar raised goes directly to local hospital partners, funding Child Life programs that bring comfort, care, and everyday moments of joy to young patients when they need it most.”
While Halloween serves as a joyful focal point, the support provided by Spirit of Children delivers a daily impact throughout the entire year. One hundred percent of all in-store and online customer donations remain local, directly funding each store’s partner hospital.
These crucial funds equip Child Life Departments with the resources needed to soothe medical anxiety and support families through complex care journeys, including:
- Child Life Staffing: Dedicated specialists who help young patients process and understand medical treatments.
- Therapeutic Resources: Sensory tools, medical play preparation, and specialized playrooms.
- Creative Therapies: Art, music, and pet therapy programs to aid emotional recovery.
- Family Support: Bereavement support and everyday comfort and distraction tools.
“Spirit of Children empowers our Child Life team to care for the emotional well-being of our patients and families in ways that extend far beyond medicine,” Kaitie Kolbeck, Supervisor of Child Life at Children’s Hospital Colorado, said. “Their support is more than just a single day of celebration; it provides year-round funding that transforms the entire hospital experience for the kids in our care.”
As Spirit of Children celebrates two decades of giving, customers are encouraged to help make a difference in a child’s life this season by donating at their local Spirit Halloween store or by visiting SpiritofChildren.com to learn more.
