Topic: Child's Play Charity Kicks Off 2007 Campaign

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Now it's even easier for gamers to make a donation to this great cause.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14811

 Child's Play is a charity organization, founded by Penny Arcade, aimed at mobilizing gamers to help provide games to children in hospitals all over the United States and across the globe.  It recently kicked off its 2007 fund-raising campaign, with a goal of beating its 2006 total of over a million dollars worth of donated toys, books, games, and cash for kids in children's hospitals the world over.  This year the number of participating hospitals has increased to 45, including facilities in such far-flung locales as Egypt, Australia, and New Zealand.    

Gamers can donate in more ways than ever before.  Cash donations are accepted via PayPal and are split evenly amongst all hospitals involved.  Portions of eBay auctions can also be donated, meaning that you can sell almost anything and still make a contribution.    

Each hospital also has its own wish list on Amazon.com, and items purchased from each list are mailed directly to the hospital.  Some toys are given to children as gifts, while others are kept by the hospital for ongoing use (e.g. game consoles).  In order to get these items to children in time for Christmas, hospitals request that they are purchased in time to arrive by December 20th.    

Child's Play is also holding a Charity Dinner Auction in Seattle on December 11th.  The evening will include a silent auction, live auction, and dinner, with all proceeds going to this year's network of hospitals.  Other planned events to support Child's Play include a LAN party in Washington and Rock Band / Guitar Hero parties in Brooklyn and Denver.  More details are available at www.childsplaycharity.org.