Child's Play, a gamers' charity

[Trotter]

Q: What is Child's Play?
A: Child's Play is a Seattle based, gamer-run organization that holds an annual toy drive for childrens' hospitals. Many of the gifts donated by gamers are, as you might imagine, age appropriate videogames and gaming systems - but they are by no means the only things donated. We received eager donations of coloring books, art supplies, crafts, movies, cartoons, virtually anything a young person could ask for. We asked the world-wide community of gamers, and they gave so much we had to move to larger storage facilities three separate times.

Our 2008 drive raised over 1.4 million dollars in toys and cash for 60 children's hospitals around the US and the world, putting the community's total contribution level since our inception at the five million dollar mark.

Q: Who is behind Child's Play?
A: Child's Play was started by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins of the online comic strip Penny Arcade, which concerns itself with videogames and gamer culture.

Q: Why did Penny-Arcade create Child's Play?
A: Giving hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of toys to children in long-term care is its own reward. Past that, it's a way to show a different side of people who play videogames as a hobby.

Q: How does Child's Play work?
A: We have partnered with Amazon.com, which hosts a series of “Wish Lists” stocked with toys the hospitals have requested, as well as age appropriate videogames and game systems selected by Child's Play. Simply choose the hospital nearest you from our interactive map at www.childsplaycharity.org and the toys you purchase will be delivered directly. We also accept cash donations via Paypal to childsplaycharity@childsplaycharity.org, which will be used to buy additional equipment and split amongst the hospitals in this year's drive.

Q: Where can I find more information about Child's Play and its creators?
A: We welcome you to visit our online hub at www.childsplaycharity.org. Take advantage of the interactive map, choose the town nearest you and give a gift.

This is time of year is when many look to help those less fortunate then themselves. While there are many charities out there, this one is one that should resonate with every geek and gamers' heart as it was founded by our own. Check it out and see if this is something YOU would like to be a part of. Let me know what you think about it as I would be willing to get TF more involved with Child's Play next year if you, the membership, want it.

Thanks to overlord20 for cluing me in on this.

 

[overlord20]

Wanted to let everyone know about the Auction on December 7th in Seattle.. So if you are around that would be sweet if you could make it.

CHILD'S PLAY LAUNCHES 2010 charity season



New Text Donation Campaign Makes Giving Easier



SEATTLE – Nov. 17, 2010 – Child's Play Charity officially commenced its 2010 fundraising drive with more than $175,000 already received. Since 2003, the charity has raised more than $7 million in donations for sick children while giving the community an outlet to counter negative stereotypes about gamers.



People that wish to participate can directly purchase toys, games and books off hospitals' Amazon wish lists or by donating cash. In addition to contributing cash via PayPal, donors in the U.S. can text the keyword GAMERS to 50555 to make a $5 donation. $5.00 will be added to their mobile phone bill or deducted from their prepaid account. Message and Data Rates May Apply. For Full Terms: mGive.org/T.



Child's Play Gala and Auction is also returning on Tuesday, Dec 7, at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Attendees to this black tie affair will meet Gabe and Tycho as well as bid on rare and unique items including studio tours, concept art, games and consoles and original artwork to raise money for the charity.



“With the strong start this year, we're really excited about the prospect of breaking the $1.78 million we were able to raise in 2009,” said Kristin Lindsay, Foundation Coordinator for Child's Play. “There are lots of ways to get involved even if you can't attend our gala or donate directly. Thousands of people get involved at a local level organizing fundraising events. Even just being an evangelist by letting your network of friends know about Child's Play is fantastic.”



This year the charity welcomed new partners in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Fort Lauderdale, Pittsburg and Manchester, England to its network of more than 70 hospitals worldwide.



Media contact

Derek Asato

The Bohle Company

310-785-0515, Ext. 201

 

[PP Mguire]

I. Love. This. Im gathering up my DS games now.

 

[PP Mguire]

Feels good to be able to donate to this again this year.

 

[krazyq]

Thanks for posting this Trotter