Spirit of Children presented Nicklaus Children’s Hospital with a donation of $77,657 at a check presentation ceremony last month in support of patients and families. The funds benefiting the Children’s Experiences Department will support programs that make hospital stays easier for young patients and their families through non-medical treatment and healing play.

Funds were collected at local South Florida Spirit Halloween stores, SpiritHalloween.com and from business partners within the local community. To-date, the Spirit of Children program has raised $913,808 for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

“We are grateful for the continued support from Spirit of Children over the years. Even in the midst of a pandemic, they worked hard to raise funds for our patients,” said Matthew A. Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Spirit of Children funds will make a difference year-round as we deliver extra support services and programs that promote healing among our patients and their families.”

In October, Spirit of Children delivered one-of-a-kind care packages to Nicklaus Children’s containing assorted costumes, activity books, crayons and treat bags to keep patients engaged at the bedside. Staff distributed the packages in a special “reverse trick-or-treat” visit from “Franky the Robot,” a.k.a an iPad on wheels.

Spirit of Children funding supports Nicklaus Children’s patient support programming year-round, from hiring Child Life Specialists that promote therapy play to the purchasing of sensory, educational and entertainment items such as interactive bubble rovers, illuminated wall panels, fiber optic tunnels, iPads and toys used for distraction during procedures. Funding also supports playrooms, lounges and family spaces for long hospital visits as well as pet, and music therapy programs.