ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The novelty check was large in size and amount.
The positive impact it will have on sick children in the Lehigh Valley will be substantially larger.
The Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital on Monday received a $114,676 check from Spirit Halloween, a national costume retailer, at the hospital’s Cedar Crest campus.
The money increased the company’s donation total to the hospital’s Child Life Program to $1.1 million since 2012 through its Spirit of Children program.
"When people work together and do their part, it somehow aggregates into a million dollar gift to a hospital.”Brian A. Nester, D.O, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jefferson Health.
“Every dollar donated makes an impact,” Jefferson Health Chief Operating Officer Dr. Brian A. Nester said.
“The customers from the 10 to 15 area stores that donated and the staff here today are the real heroes. When people work together and do their part, it somehow aggregates into a million-dollar gift to a hospital.”
The certified specialists of the Reilly Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program focus on children’s social, emotional and intellectual growth.
The staff helps meet the needs of children receiving medical treatment by offering opportunities for stress relief and relaxation, as well as distractions to make procedures easier.
The funds have been put toward buying toys and educational activities, which child life specialists use to ease the stress and uncertainty surrounding hospital visits.
The donations also fund items such as sensory carts for in-patient areas and KindVR headsets, which utilize virtual reality to help children relax during medical treatments.
'True heroes are in the hospital'
Since 2007, Spirit Halloween has raised funds in its 1,500 stores, and has donated $145 million to 151 hospitals.
The presentation ceremony attracted Spirit Halloween management and employees.
“It makes you feel good knowing you’re making a difference for the kids,” said Barb Gallagher of Fogelsville, who has worked at the company’s Whitehall location for 10 years.
Randy Anthony, director of Spirit Stores-Mid-Atlantic, described the Spirit of Children program as “the heart of Spirit Halloween.”
“Back in 2007, our CEO, Steven Silverstein, wanted to do something to help the communities that supported Spirit Halloween,” he said.
“He wanted the money to always go to local hospitals. … So he came up with Spirit of Children.”
"They make the hospital stays less scary for the children. That’s why we chose Child Life.”Randy Anthony, director of Spirit Stores-Mid-Atlantic
Spirit Halloween customers are asked to donate when they reach the checkout counter. When they donate, a bell is rung and the staff cheers and yells.
“But the true heroes are in the hospital,” Anthony said. “They make the hospital stays less scary for the children. That’s why we chose Child Life.”
Parents of children who seek services at the Reilly Children’s Hospital typically are unaware of the Child Life Program, officials said.
“People don’t know we exist until they meet us here,” said Leslie Mattinson, a 16-year, certified child life specialist.
“The donation helps with our budget for everyday experiences here. It helps us normalize the hospital experience.”
