Local children celebrate Halloween at Singing River’s Gulfport Hospital

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- Singing River’s Gulfport Hospital got into the Halloween spirit Friday morning, transforming its workplace into a festive setting for a community celebration.

Children ages five and under participated in trick-or-treating, games, and other activities during the event.

Hospital departments decorated their individual spaces, giving children and families a chance to explore different Halloween themes.

The annual celebration welcomed about 100 students from Bel-Air Elementary school.

The event was open to the public, allowing families throughout the community to take part in the festivities as well. Outreach and Events Manager Kelly Devine said, “Singing River has been doing this event for many years! One of the reasons we like to do it is because a lot of times when you find yourself in the hospital, you’re probably not feeling well or maybe someone in your family isn’t feeling well. We want to destigmatize that and let young kids know that the hospital is not a scary place and doctors aren’t scary we’re here to help take care of you and make you feel better. So, if we can get you in the door and have a good experience by giving you some candy or playing some games. Then, hopefully that will make it a better experience if they ever do find themselves with us as a patient or a guest of a patient.”

Singing River staff says they plan to continue hosting family-friendly events that bring the community together.