Spirit Halloween stores prepared young patients, at Levine Children’s Hospital, for one of the best holidays for kids, Halloween of course. Through its Spirit of Children program, the stores donated costumes, accessories and toys to children confined in the hospital. Mike Bliss, Nascar driver who drove the Spirit Halloween Chevy in the 300 mile 2011 Charlotte Nationwide race on October 15, helped the children chose and try on costumes.
“It’s hard to hold back tears. I’ve seen smiles on some of these kids but it’s not an easy smile. The families, the parents and relatives really glow to see their children happy. I have an 11 year old daughter. Here, Halloween has become something bigger than monsters, and candy,” said Bliss.
Carrie Keuten, Levine event coordinator, said this was the fourth year for this event and over 100 patients were brought to the lobby to pick out costumes for the big day.
“It’s a nice diversion and it means so much to the kids. Kids just want to be kids, as Spirit‘s motto states. To see them smile makes my job very enjoyable,” said Keuten.
The Spirit of Children raised more than $25,000 for Levine Children’s Hospital since 2007 and over 4.6 million for children’s hospitals nationwide where there are one thousand Spirit Halloween stores.
“Spirit of Children is at the heart of Spirit Halloween stores which is devoted to bringing fun, imagination and fantasy of Halloween to pediatric patients in hospitals and rehabilitation centers in the country,” said Heather Golin.
Shannon Duncan, a seven-year-old patient who recently underwent back surgery, was very excited about his Michael Jackson costume.
“I’m gonna be Michael Jackson for Halloween. When I walk again, I’m gonna dance just like Michael Jackson,” said Duncan.
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