It takes a minute or two for the hospital’s Physician-in-Chief Dr. Scottie Day to suit up for his interview – his first in a full minion costume.
"I've gotta find my arm, sorry..." he says, maneuvering himself inside the slightly unwieldy yellow outfit.
Once inflated, Day tells WUKY it’s more than just a token gesture for kids who are in the hospital on Halloween.
"It started as just a small group and, quite frankly, it just continues to grow year after year," he says. "Even people who looking at us outside they're like 'Oh, this is super cool, what kind of hospital lets you dress up?' and I was like 'Well, it's a children's hospital. That's what we're supposed to do.'"
Day is far from alone. A seemingly endless procession of imaginatively-dressed members of the community wait in line for the elevators – many pushing carts brimming with candy and playthings. Toy Story is a popular theme with the staff this year.
"The most enjoyable part is seeing everybody, not just people in the hospital, but the entire community to come together for not just the great cause, but to bring a little warmth on this Halloween to kids," Day adds. "Nobody ever thinks their kids going to be here. But it's more than just the kids. It's also for the parents who want to be able to give their child that trick-or-treat experience.
While it’s not quite the same as the thrill of going door-to-door, organizers say it brings a little piece of Halloween to kids who come to the hospital from areas spanning the state.
