Spirit Halloween brings the “Spirit” of Halloween to a local hospital

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)— Halloween is only a few weeks away, but while some kids are out trick or treating, others are unfortunately in the hospital during the spooky season. Still, one retail superstore is bringing the “Spirit of Halloween” to a children’s medical center.

Spirit Halloween hosted its annual Halloween Party for the youngest patients at the University of Michigan Sparrow Children’s Center this Wednesday afternoon.

Shelly Genter, district sales manager at Spirit Halloween, says the store collected 1,500 donations of Halloween costumes and has been putting smiles on the patient’s faces since 2003.

She says they’ve donated almost a million dollars to the Sparrow Children’s Center, and the event is all about making the day less scary for the children and their families.

“I love coming here every year to do this,” said Genter. “I love seeing their little faces. The joy that we bring them that they haven’t experienced that they may not get this year because they’re in a hospital.”

Katie Newcome, a Child-Life intern, says Halloween is an important part of a kid’s life.

“And a lot of kids’ plans get changed when they have a hospitalization or a new diagnosis,” said Necomer. “So, to be able to bring a bit of Halloween to them for those kids who can’t spend Halloween out with their friends trick or treating just means so much to them.”

She says the event normalizes the hospital for children during their time of need.

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