Spirit of Children Brightens the Holidays in the Hospital

In our Corporate Partner Spotlight, we interview corporate leaders about what inspires them to serve as advocates and ambassadors for children’s health. This month, we spoke with Erin Wojno, assistant manager of donor relations at Spirit of Children.

Over the years, Spirit of Children has proudly supported Children’s National Hospital and its Child Life and Integrative Care Services program, ensuring kids have year-round access to therapeutic play, emotional support, and comforting resources. Their stores annually raise critical funds from customers and associates that directly enhance the patient experience and help kids thrive.

How does Spirit of Children brighten the holidays for Children's National patients?

This holiday season, we focused on bringing extra joy and creativity to the hospital by providing festive materials and activities designed to brighten the environment for children and their families. Our goal is always to make the hospital feel a little more magical during a time that can be especially challenging for kids.

What does it mean to your team and colleagues to help bring joy to kids spending their holidays in the hospital?

Spirit of Children is about bringing happiness to kids and their families facing medical challenges during their hospitalization. Our team is proud that their fundraising and activities create comfort and joy for kids, helping make the hospital feel a little less scary.

What's the most rewarding part of working with Children's National?

It feels gratifying to see the extraordinary dedication of the child life specialists and the real difference they make every day. Their team is essential to a child’s healing. The developmentally appropriate activities they lead help kids cope, build resilience and feel a sense of normalcy during hospitalization. Their compassion and creativity are inspiring, and knowing our support helps them carry out this critical work is deeply fulfilling.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your time partnering with the hospital?

Small moments carry tremendous power to create lasting comfort. Sometimes a simple activity, distraction or shared laugh can completely transform a child’s day.

I have also learned how much child life services help families navigate fear and uncertainty, especially in extended hospital stays. Our partnership shows that joy is not just a nice addition to care but an essential part of healing.