October 22, 2026 | By Atrium Health Foundation | In Contributor News
Since 2006, Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children program has helped transform the hospital experience for children facing illness, injury, and extended medical treatment. What began with Halloween celebrations at 11 hospitals has grown into a philanthropic initiative that has provided more than $164 million in support for Child Life departments at over 165 children’s hospitals across North America.
In Charlotte, Spirit of Children has contributed nearly $1.2 million to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital’s Child Life program, which helps patients and their families navigate the stress, fear, and uncertainty associated with hospitalization and medical procedures. Child Life specialists provide emotional and psychosocial support through therapeutic play, age-appropriate education, and activities that help children better understand and cope with their medical journeys.
Most recently, Spirit of Children’s generosity helped transform Levine Children’s Hospital’s eighth-floor playroom, creating a welcoming space where progressive care patients can play, create, and simply be kids.
“Spirit of Children helps make a hospital stay a little brighter for children and families, providing opportunities for fun, connection, and distraction from the challenges of medical treatment,” said Helen Kernodle, senior development officer at Atrium Health Foundation. “We’re incredibly grateful for Spirit Halloween’s partnership and its continued commitment to the well-being of our youngest patients through this meaningful philanthropic initiative.”
Each October, Spirit Halloween’s generosity takes on an especially festive form as Levine Children’s Hospital receives Halloween costumes, accessories, and supplies that allow patients to experience the magic of the season. From superheroes and princesses to pirates and pumpkins, the costumes bring smiles during what can be an incredibly difficult time. Halloween parties, activities, and trick-or-treat experiences help create happy memories for patients and their families during their care journey.
As Spirit of Children celebrates 20 years of meaningful impact, its support continues to promote emotional well-being and preserve the magic of childhood for patients and families at Levine Children’s.