Child’s Play raises $1.4 Million

Most gamers know about Penny Arcade. The humorous and sarcastic web comic has been online for over ten years making fun of gamers, gaming companies, and everything in-between. Likewise, most gamers know about Child’s Play, the charity started by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins in 2003. With the recession hitting the United States, the charity decided to err on the side of caution with their goal this year of $750,000. Instead of missing it, they beat it — by a lot.

This year Child’s Play was able to raise $1,434,377 for children in hospitals around the world. This amount included “toys, games, books, and cash for sick kids.” Anyone who has browsed the Amazon.com page during their annual winter charity drive knows that the organization is not in this for money or advertising; Child’s Play is about the children, supported by the generosity of gamers.

Each year Child’s Play does what seemingly is impossible with the current economic situation; they beat each year before it. Thankfully illustrating to the public that gamers can give back, and they are people too. Child’s Play continues to grow in a positive direction and with luck; next year surpasses this year’s new record.

Child’s Play is an important charity not because it shows gamers in a different perspective, it is important because it puts children in hospitals on the minds of people everywhere. Even though the donation drive is once a year, consoles and games last much longer than that. I know my time in hospitals would have been a lot less stressful with even an original PlayStation.