Brainy Gamer

In the spirit of the holidays, I'm teaming up with my pals at the Vintage Game Club to organize a donation drive for Child's Play, the charity that donates toys, games, books and cash to children’s hospitals across North America and in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Since 2003, Child's Play has raised over 3.5 million dollars in donations to 60 partner hospitals. Over 100,000 gamers worldwide have contributed.

We consulted the Child's Play organizers, and they told us the easiest way to bundle contributions from Brainy Gamer readers and VGC members is to use a service called ChipIn. So, thanks to my VGC colleague David Carlton, we've arranged with them to collect donations on our behalf. ChipIn collects no fees whatsoever, and all funds raised go directly to Child's Play.

If you'd like to contribute, just click the ChipIn button on the widget below (or at the top of this page), and you'll be taken to a PayPal site where you can donate via credit card or your PayPal account.

FYI, when you get there you'll see David's e-mail address because he set up the ChipIn account. Rest assured that none of your money will go to or through David, but directly to Child's Play. Once you hit the pay button, you'll see Child's Play listed as the Merchant, and you'll be given the option to print out a receipt for your tax-deductable donation.

It's been a great year for those of us who love games. If you're able, I hope you'll consider giving back and sending a message that we gamers care. Even a dollar or two will help. The drive ends December 14.

Happy holidays and happy gaming!
--Michael