Since 2011, Spirit Halloween costume stores and its Spirit of Children Foundation has raised funds for the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, which supports the emotional needs of pediatric patients and families. But with the latest check for $90,600, Spirit Halloween donations have topped the $1 million mark — and every cent goes toward the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department.

Spirit Halloween representatives recently visited the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy and Children’s Miracle Network teams to present the check for this year’s donation, and to celebrate the past 13 years of partnership.

“The mission of Spirit Halloween and our child life program align beautifully. Together, we work to make the hospital less scary for children,” said Diana Sundberg, manager of the UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. “The Spirit team has been our partner for years now and our child life department, especially our fellowship program, would not be what it is without their support. They are definitely one in a million. We are lucky to have them as a part of our work family!”

Annual donations from Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children foundation have funded the UC Davis child life fellowship program, which provides additional training and supervision to aspiring certified child life specialists.

Over the years, Spirit of Halloween donations have made it possible for child life services to grow and expand into the Children’s Surgery Center, Radiology Department and the Pediatric Infusion Center, resulting in more children and families receiving support and guidance from child life specialists.

“All of us at Spirit Halloween Superstores are so very proud of what we have created at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, in particular with the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department,” said Spirit Halloween store operator Shanda Pierce. “The fellowship program that has been created and the children that have been taken care of are a true testament to our customers and staff. We thank our customer base in our Northern California region, and especially thank each and every staff member for going above and beyond to gather donations each year.”