Child Life Program Benefits from $54,100 Donation from Spirit Stores

Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) were filled with spirit after a generous check for $54,100 was presented to the hospital from Spirit Stores Tuesday, Feb. 2. “Spirit stores and their employees are passionate about this fundraiser, and it shows through their hard work,” said Jillian Payne, executive director, LLUCH Foundation. Spirit Stores hosted their annual “Spirit of Children” in-store fundraiser in all of their Southern California locations throughout the Fall 2015 season, which is only a six-week period. Spirit customers were encouraged to donate funds to support LLUCH child life program. Jose Lopez, district manager, Spirit Stores said he is glad to be a part of the effort to raise funds for the hospital, and is eager to keep the momentum going. “We are driving to move forward,” he said, noting that, “every year we’ve raised more money than the previous.” Over the past six years they have successfully raised and donated over $242,000 to LLUCH, which will directly support the child life program at the hospital. Child life specialists work to minimize fears and stress experienced by children, adolescents and families during hospitalization and develop age appropriate activities for patients ranging in age from birth to young adult. LLUCH administrator Scot Perryman expressed his gratitude to Spirit Stores for their generosity to the child life program. “Child life is of incredible value to the kids and their healing process,” he said. “I am blown away by the six-year contribution Spirit has made.” One LLUCH patient who was able to attend the presentation was Mikel Pleasant, 8, from Homeland, who also provided brief musical entertainment on the keyboard for those in attendance.