Every year I read countless articles on just how singularly horrible video gamers are; we're violent, obese, addicts, and we sit in darkened rooms with only the glow of World of Warcraft to keep us warm at night. Stigmas like those are what prompted Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins, creators of Penny Arcade, to start Child's Play, a charitable organization dedicated to bringing smiles to hospitalized children all over the world with video games. 2003 was the charity's debut year, where all the proceeds were raised for the creator's local children's hospital in Seattle. It has since ballooned in size, bringing in millions of dollars worth of toys over the years to hospitals worldwide. 100% of all proceeds go to the kids; not a dime is spent on administration costs, as Jerry, Gabe, and all the volunteers do it all for free, or out of their own pockets.

Toronto Sick Kids Hospital was a part of Child's Play last year, and no one could deny the fact that the kids came out huge winners in the end. Over 362 packages (many with more than one item) were delivered to Toronto Sick Kids, and this year Child's Play is of course shooting for more.

There's about a million charities all vying for your contributions. Please, consider Child's Play this holiday season if you know just how much difference a simple game can make for a child. The organization doesn't kid themselves; video games won't cure cancer, but they have a knack for bringing out the smiles in kids who have a lot to frown about. Donations can be made here through Amazon, with all donations going directly to Toronto Sick Kids. Visit the Child's Play website if you'd like to donate to other hospitals around the world. Please note that Amazon is the only way to donate, as packages coming from outside can't be knowingly secured from germs and bacteria, which don't mix well with the kids.

For info direct from Child's Play:
Kristin Lindsay
klindsay@penny-arcade.com
206.274.0024

For info from Toronto Sick Kids:
Jennifer Butterly
jennifer.butterly@sickkids.ca
General Info line: 416-813-1500

Awesome graphic courtesy of Scott from VGCats. Look for an interview with him later this month, and order a set of cards for X-Mas, all proceeds going to Child's Play