Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is encouraging the public to send Halloween cards to sick children, with each card triggering a $1 donation from an anonymous donor.
Participants are asked to write a message of encouragement through an online form and choose from three coloring-card designs: a giraffe, peacock or elephant.
The cards will be printed and hand-delivered to patients during the hospital’s annual Pumpkin Party, where kids will also receive goody bags and take part in crafts and pumpkin decorating.
“Patients in the hospital are unable to participate in dressing up and trick-or-treating in their neighborhood, so we bring the holiday to CHLA,” said Carol Hamamoto, manager of Child Life and Expressive Arts & Therapies. “It’s so meaningful to the patients and their families to know that people from around the world are thinking of them.”
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In this undated promotional image, a patient at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles receives a Halloween card during the hospital’s annual Pumpkin Party. (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles) -
In this undated promotional image, a patient at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles receives a Halloween card during the hospital’s annual Pumpkin Party. (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles) -
Three of the potential coloring cards being offered as part of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles annual Pumpkin Party. (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)
Last year’s card drive drew submissions from supporters across the globe. Organizers said the effort helps children who are undergoing treatment feel included in a festive day they might otherwise miss.
Cards must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 31. The unnamed anonymous donor has committed to giving up to $50,000, CHLA officials said.
To participate, visit chla.org/halloween.