Child's Play

No, I'm not talking about the cheesy horror movie from the 80s (although Bride of Chuckie was pretty funny). I'm talking about the Child's Play Charity. From the website:

Since 2003, gamers have banded together through registered Seattle-based charity, Child's Play. Over a 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.

We collect no administrative fees or other charges, 100% of all gifts and donations go directly to our partner hospitals, to help make life a little brighter for a sick child.

This year, we have continued expanding across the country and the globe. With over 25 partner hospitals and more arriving every month, you can be sure to find one from the map above that needs your help! 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. Any items purchased through Amazon or DStore will be shipped directly to your hospital of choice, please be sure to select their shipping address rather than your own.

I know lots of people are suffering in the world and it makes me want to do more, but I just don't have the money. I can't cut an oversize novelty check for a million dollars and present it to the Red Cross at a press conference. But I can make sure that some little kids who might be stuck in the hospital over Christmas will have some books and toys to help get them through. And I love that donating is as simple as choosing a partner hospital and buying something off of their Amazon wish list. I'm not any kind of social crusader, but it is always nice to know you've done something to help make another person's life a little better.

Plus now I can go to the mall and not be racked with guilt when I pass those Salvation Army bell ringers.