For the most part, the Internet is used for fun, games and occasionally for news. A highly trafficked source of that fun can be found at Penny Arcade. A webcomic starring creators Gabe and Tycho, Penny Arcade’s focus lies in video game nerd humor with a clever and satirical take on the woes and missteps of the video game industry. Often filled with off-color remarks and foul language, not many would have expected this site to start what would become one of the largest gamer-based holiday charities.
Started in 2003, Child’s Play has contributed over five million dollars in video games, toys and money to children’s hospitals across the country. Last year alone, in the face of one of the worst financial situations on record, they broke their goal of over $1,000,000 in donations.
Using Amazon.com’s “Wish List” feature and Paypal, donations can be made either in the form of money or by selecting various toys, video games and dvd’s requested by various children’s hospitals around the country. Any denomination is accepted and there are participating hospitals all over the country and other parts of the world.
In just its first week this November, Child’s Play collected over $400,000 and has neared the $800,000 mark at the time of this article. With 25 days to go until Christmas, there is still tons of time for everyone to help make a child’s holiday a little brighter.
Nothing can be worse for a child to be stuck in the hospital, not knowing exactly why they can’t be home for their favorite holiday and being away from their friends and family for so long. If those of us who are lucky enough to be safe and healthy this holiday season can donate a toy or game that helps ease this suffering for even a short time for these kids, it will make a world of difference.
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