Prisma Health Hosts Reverse Trick-or-Treat Parade
Hospital staff in Columbia dressed as characters to hand out candy and toys to patients on every floor.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Philanthropy
Prisma Health Children's Hospital in Columbia recently hosted an annual reverse trick-or-treat parade for its patients. Staff members moved throughout the facility to deliver gifts and candy to children on every floor.
Why it matters
The event provides a festive and engaging experience for hospitalized children during the holiday season. It serves as a morale-boosting initiative that involves staff from across the entire medical campus.
The event included 250 total participants from hospital staff. These volunteers represented 40 different department teams from across the facility.
The players
Prisma Health Children's Hospital
This facility is a major pediatric medical center providing specialized care for children in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina region.
The details
Hospital staff dressed in various character costumes to interact with pediatric patients throughout the building. The teams distributed a mix of books, toys, and candy to the children residing on every floor of the hospital.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Reverse trick-or-treat parade held
Mid-December 2026: Annual holiday parade scheduled
Market Landscape
This event reflects a broader trend of pediatric hospitals prioritizing patient experience through interactive, community-focused programming. By coordinating interdepartmental staff, the hospital strengthens internal culture while improving the environment for families.
The parade demonstrates the commitment of local healthcare providers to patient-centered care and community engagement. Residents can support these ongoing efforts by participating in future hospital donation drives and volunteer programs.
The takeaway
Large-scale internal events like this serve as vital morale boosters for patients and staff alike. Similar programs can be implemented in other care settings to foster a more inclusive and supportive clinical culture.
What happens next
The hospital will host its annual holiday parade, which is scheduled for mid-December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in the Columbia Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC Columbia.
