Sick Children Celebrate The Season at Loma Linda Children's Hospital

Dozens of children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital created arts and crafts, got their pick of neat costumes and eased into the autumn season at the 2011 Fall Festival on Thursday at the hospital.

Spirit of Children, a party store chain that operates 15 stores in Southern California, sponsored the festival. Launched in 2006, the Spirit of Children program brings Fall Festival to hospitals for kids who would otherwise not be able to experience such a festive seasonal celebration.

The program has raised more than $4.6 million for hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Last year, aside from hosting the festival, the organization raised about $27,000 to benefit the patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Tuesday. Administration, employees and friends of LLUBMC gathered together to commemorate the success of the center.

Since opening its doors in 1991, the Behavioral Medicine Center has treated thousands of patients for eating disorders, chemical dependency and depression among others.