Spirit of Children raises more than $217,000 for Child Life at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital celebrated longtime partner Spirit of Children, recognizing the nonprofit for raising $217,064 to support Child Life services and the Child Life Fellowship program on Tuesday, February 3.

The celebration included a check presentation and ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring Spirit of Children’s lasting impact on patients, families, and staff. In recognition of Spirit of Children’s continued generosity, Children’s Hospital will install a permanent plaque outside its 8th-floor playroom, a non-medical space designed for children to play and just be kids.

Spirit of Children raises funds through in-store donations and employee-led initiatives that bring creativity and fun to philanthropy. Many donors and employees have a personal connection to pediatric care.

“Almost everyone has a personal connection here,” said Shannon Casselman, Inland Empire-based zone manager. “Either they've had a child here, or they know someone who's had a child here.”

That impact is reflected in stories like Alexandra Ruiz, who began her career at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital as a Child Life fellow funded by Spirit of Children. After graduating from Loma Linda University, Ruiz became a fellow in 2019, gaining experience across multiple hospital units. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became the only full-time Child Life fellow funded by Spirit of Children donations, supporting short-staffed units and ensuring children continued to receive psychosocial care.

Today, Ruiz is a certified Child Life Specialist at LLUCH and credits the fellowship with shaping her confidence, leadership skills, and passion for advocating for children and families.

Since 2016, Spirit of Children has funded 11 Child Life fellows, expanding the hospital’s ability to support children during hospitalization, medical procedures, and grief. Current and former fellows shared their gratitude during the ceremony for how the program helped launch their careers and strengthen Child Life services.

Spirit of Children also brings joy directly to patients through experiences such as the annual Fall Festival, which donates hundreds of costumes, decorations, and activities each year.

“One mother told us she didn’t know how she would provide costumes for her kids back home,” said a Child Life team member. “Because of Spirit of Children, she didn’t have to worry.”

Since 2013, Spirit of Children has raised more than $1.4 million for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, impacting countless patients, families, and Child Life professionals.

To learn more about corporate partnerships, contact the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation at 909-558-5368 or email Shelley Brassfield [email protected]