Mega Doctor News
From fear of the unknown in an unfamiliar environment and being away from loved ones to the feeling of losing independence over their bodies and routines, hospitalization can be a frightening experience for children, leading to stress and anxiety.
Since 2006, Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children initiative has helped make hospitals less scary for children and their families by bringing the magic of the spooktacular season to local hospitals all year long through funding of their Child Life Departments.
What began with Halloween parties in 11 U.S. hospitals has grown to support more than 150 facilities nationwide, including South Texas Health System Children’s in Edinburg.
Every year, a portion of proceeds from the sale of Halloween costumes, accessories and décor from Spirit Halloween stores, as well as any donations made by community members at the cash registers, goes to fund uplifting experiences within partner hospitals.
Since 2018, Spirit of Children has donated more than $320,000 to the Auxiliary to South Texas Health System, with the money used to support the services provided by the STHS Children’s Child Life Department for pediatric patients in the hospital’s care, including patient, sibling and family support services, sensory equipment and patient-focused resources like therapy programming, toys, crafts and art supplies.
In 2024, Spirit of Children raised $56,948 locally through five Spirit Halloween stores in Brownsville, Harlingen, Weslaco and McAllen.
As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, Spirit Halloween is opening its five stores across the Rio Grande Valley, with a portion of proceeds benefiting STHS Children’s Child Life Department.
To launch this year’s Spirit of Children initiative and offer a first look at Spirit Halloween’s new offerings thisseason, STHS Children’s and the Auxiliary to STHS will team up with the local franchise operator to host a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Spirit Halloween store located at 1801 S. 10thStreet in McAllen.
The community is invited to take part in the ceremony and learn more about this fangtastic partnership, as well as get an early start on their Halloween shopping.
For more information on the Spirit of Halloween initiative, find a Spirit Halloween store near you and gain access to a coupon to save 10% on your entire order, visit STHSChidlrens.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s, The Auxiliary to STHS & Spirit Halloween |
| What: | Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Spirit Halloween Stores |
| When: | Thursday, August 28, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
| Where: | Spirit Halloween McAllen 1801 S. 10th St. McAllen, TX 78503 |
