Halloween came early this year for young patients at Maimonides Medical Center in Borough Park. 

Volunteers from the retail chain Spirit Halloween made a special visit, dressed in their costumes, to show kids that the hospital doesn't have to be a scary place. They say some children may not have the opportunity to go trick-or-treating for Halloween this year.

The store handed out dozens of free costumes and made a donation as part of its "Spirit of Children" program, which has raised $16 million for hospitals across the country since it started in 2006.

Doctors and nurses say the Halloween fun will return to Maimonides on Oct. 31 when they dress up themselves and pass out candy to the kids.