Penny Arcade’s Child Play Charity

Erik Kubik Says Most of us have long Christmas lists that include a number of the latest games. We have to remember though, it’s not only the season to be getting, it’s also the season to be giving. So, why not give a little something back? Why not donate a few bucks so sick kids can have something to do while they are in the hospital? Cheapassgamer.com (CAG) is a big supporter of the Penny Arcade’s Child Play Charity. In 2007, Cheapassgamer raised $27,000; in 2008, the site raised $32,000. This year the site is hoping to raise $40,000.

So, what is Child’s Play Charity? The charity’s website states “Since 2003, over 100,000 gamers worldwide have banded together through Child’s Play, a community based charity grown and nurtured from the game culture and industry. Over 5 million dollars in donations of toys, games, books and cash for sick kids in children’s hospitals across North America and the world have been collected since our inception. You can choose to purchase requested items from their online retailer wish lists, or make a cash donation that helps out Child’s Play hospitals everywhere.”

Based on this information, I could order something from Amazon.com and have it sent to one of the charity’s participating hospitals. Or, I could donate some cash.

To make it even more interesting and to provide some motivation for you to help this worthwhile charity, Cheapassgamer.com is having a contest! For every $5 you donate to Penny Arcade’s Child Play Charity, you will receive an entry into a contest with tons of prizes. You do not have to be a member of the site since the donations are linked to your PayPal account. Some of the prizes include a $500 Amazon gift card, and $300 to Play Asia. Some of the members of CAG are even donating prizes--DS bundles, games, gift cards, Wii points cards, as well as other cool prizes.

I strongly urge gamers and non-gamers to donate. I know the members of Goozex will find it in their hearts to donate to sick kids. Learn more about the contest in this thread on CheapAssGamer.com and more about the charity.

And have yourself a very happy holiday season!