Virtua Health and Spirit Halloween teamed up recently to bring Halloween fun and comfort to more than 100 young patients and their families at Virtua Voorhees Hospital.

The annual “Spirit of Children” celebration transformed a hospital meeting room into a festive Halloween wonderland, complete with costumes, crafts, pumpkin painting, games, and seasonal snacks.

“This event creates a sense of normalcy for kids who are spending time in the hospital around the holiday,” said Samantha Greenbaum, director of nursing for pediatrics at Virtua Voorhees. “It’s a spirit-lifter for the patients, their families, and even our staff!”

Now in its 14th year supporting Virtua, the Spirit of Children program has raised more than $1.1 million locally to fund child-friendly enhancements throughout Virtua’s pediatric programs. These include pediatric sensory rooms and child-friendly MRI experience designed to make the hospital environment more welcoming and less intimidating for young patients and their families.

“We’re fortunate and grateful to continue this partnership with Spirit,” said Amy McLeer, Virtua’s manager of philanthropic engagement. “The funds provided to Virtua Health through Spirit’s grants stay within Virtua Voorhees Hospital and Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, ensuring that our pediatrics and Child Life teams can support children in the hospital setting, fulfilling Spirit of Children’s mission to make the hospital a less scary place for kids and their families.”

Spirit Halloween team members and staff from Virtua’s Child Life teams volunteered their time at the party.

Through the Spirit of Children initiative, Spirit Halloween stores nationwide raise funds each year to support Child Life departments in hospitals across the country.

To join Spirit’s campaign for Virtua, download their 10% store coupon here. Find a list of supporting stores and learn more about the Spirit of Children partnership here.