Halloween Parties for Kids at the Hospitals and Orphanages

I'm thinking about those kids who are spending their Halloween at the hospitals, charitable institutions or the homeless ones. It saddens my heart to imagine them never having the 'happiness' or the smiles these innocent little ones should possess during this special day on October 31st. Would they settle for just the routine visits of their doctors or nurses? Will the orphans just sleep their imaginations for the night? How about the runaway kids, the homeless who can't afford to wear kiddy costumes. Will they wear a smile on this year's celebration?

When I was a child then, whenever I was sick, it cannot hamper my happiness when having a party at home, especially themed parties like Halloween. I think, I was not much different from kids in the hospitals (who suffer from terminal diseases, like cancer) who all want an 'innocent' happiness during their childhood days.

But it's hard for the parents to see their children being robbed of their childhood because they have cancer or they're dying already. Much more, those children who were orphaned at young age that spend their young lives at charitable institutions. are equally vulnerable for being lonely or those children abandoned by parents at similar home-care establishments.

Indoor parties will help these kids forget their problems momentarily. I've seen scenes at the children's ward in our local hospital (while I was working as a beat reporter), where doctors, nurses, medics and hospital staff often brightened those young faces by donning costumes (superhero-themed or even the scary characters) even the ironic reality includes daily check-ups and medications for their young patients.

Benevolent groups frequent charitable institutions by sponsoring indoor parties, like Halloween; much to the delight of the kids. The rambunctious but lovable attitudes, the squeals and laughter,  painted faces or even masked ones and the tireless smile

Safety is a must when having parties for kids, especially on Halloween. My friend, who's a doctor gave me a short list in observing safety when having kid parties.

1. Never give them candies with nuts on it as one of the ingredients. It can cause allergic reaction to children.
2. Watercolor painting is better than wearing a mask that can suffocate them.
3. To closely guard them from harm, even they're indoor, a storytelling session should be implemented.
4. Parlor games can keep the parents close to their children in the hospital. You can even launch a ghost-hunting part in the program  around the room only.
5. Never wear tight-fitting costumes and long ones (like white lady or witch robes-in oversize manner) that can cause tripping or exhaustion to children.
6. Role-playing is best for bedridden children that a simple movement can be tiresome to them.
7. Trick or treat in other wards can help some kids to have an opportunity to brighten up the faces of other patients, the older ones.

I can just imagine how they would positively react, those sick children, once their favorite Halloween costumes are ready to use.

Note: I want to credit Hope for Henry Foundation for the nice photo collage that I used here beside the HubMob RSS.