A hospital stay can be a stressful, overwhelming experience for patients of all ages. For children, especially, the unfamiliar environment and separation from loved ones can heighten feelings of anxiety, isolation and fear.
In support of its commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care beyond clinical treatment, South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s offers a range of developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions designed to assist children and their families as they acclimate to the hospital environment through the facility’s Child Life program.
“The services offered by STHS Children’s Child Life team play a vital role in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of our pediatric patients,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Children’s & STHS Edinburg. “By helping children understand their care, cope with stress and maintain a sense of normalcy during their hospitalization, these programs help ensure that the healing process extends beyond clinical treatment to truly support the whole child.”
The essential work of the STHS Children’s Child Life Program wouldn’t be possible without strong community partnerships, especially with Spirit Halloween, whose support has helped make the hospital environment less frightening and more comforting for pediatric patients.
Since 2018, Spirit Halloween has supported STHS Children’s through its annual Spirit of Children initiative, which runs during the Halloween season and donates a portion of locally raised funds from Spirit Halloween stores to children’s hospitals nationwide.
In the Rio Grande Valley, the five Spirit Halloween locations graciously donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of Halloween costumes, accessories and décor, as well as any additional contributions from local customers, to the Child Life Program at STHS Children’s each year. Due to that ongoing support, Spirit Halloween has donated more than $320,000 over the last seven years.
“Spirit Halloween’s generosity has become a powerful beacon of joy for the children in our care,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Because of their unwavering support, we’re able to create unforgettable moments that break through fear and uncertainty, replacing them with laughter, comfort and the kind of radiant smiles that help transform even the toughest of days.”
Following a banner 2025 Halloween season, Spirit Halloween will officially present a check to the Auxiliary to South Texas Health System Children’s, the healthcare system’s non-profit arm, to support Child Life Program initiatives at STHS Children’s during a special event on Thursday, February 19. Held in the hospital’s main lobby, the check presentation event will begin at 10:00 a.m.
“Spirit of Children truly represents the soul of who we are at Spirit Halloween,” says Whitney Thompson, Rio Grande Valley District Manager, Spirit Halloween. “This program allows us to pour love and joy back into our communities. By partnering with STHS Children’s, we help bring moments of light, laughter and comfort to the children who need it most. Brightening their day—even for a moment—is the greatest gift of all, and we’re excited to deliver our next check to support the incredible work happening at the facility.”
Using the excitement and imagination of Halloween, the retailer’s Valley outlets continue to help make hospital experiences less frightening and more comforting for children. STHS Children’s is deeply grateful to Spirit Halloween and its Spirit of Children program for their generous support, which ultimately helps families across the four-county region during what can often be an overwhelming and stressful time.
To learn more about the partnership between STHS Children’s and Spirit Halloween, as well as the facility’s Child Life Program, visit STHSChildrens.com.
Who: South Texas Health System Children’s & Spirit Halloween
What: Spirit of Children Check Presentation
When: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Main Lobby STHS Children’s 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
