Child’s Play, a charity founded by the folks who run the popular online gaming-related comic strip Penny Arcade, announced today the launch of its fourth annual toy and game drive for kids in hospitals.
The charity combines an online drive, charity auction dinner and the sale of related merchandise like t-shirts and holiday cards to get video and computer gams, toys, books, movies, game hardware and game systems in the hands of sick children who have to spend their holidays in the hospital. One hundred percent of all proceeds go towards gifts for the use of children in the 28 participating hospitals around the globe.
Participating hospitals post their wish lists on Amazon and Dstore — those wishing to participate can select a specific hospital through the Child’s Play Charity Web site, then select an item or items they’d like to donate. Items include everything from classic kids’ toys like Play-Doh and Scrabble to Xbox 360, Nintendo and Sony game systems and games. Cash donations can also be made through PayPal, and ThinkGeek is offering t-shirts (and will soon offer holiday cards).
Started in 2003, Child’s Play has raised more than a million dollars in toys,games and cash for sick kids since its inception.