Child's Play charity drive now open

Child's Play, a non-profit organisation begun by the creators of the Penny Arcade comic strip, has announced the opening of its annual charity drive.

The organization, which started as a fundraiser for the Seattle Children's Hospital, has raised over two million dollars in toys, games and cash through its online toy drive and annual charity auction to over 45 hospitals worldwide.

"For the first ten months of the year, our community makes, plays and breathes games," said Kristin Lindsay at Child's Play. "Our holiday drive is not only an opportunity to share that joy with those that need it, but it's also a great way to show the strength of our culture."

Now in its fifth year, Child's Play works in conjunction with Amazon.com to create wish lists for participating hospitals. Individual donors can choose to give new items ranging from toddler toys to music CDs, videogames, game consoles and accessories delivered directly to hospitals in need.

The annual Child's Play Fundraiser Dinner Auction will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington.

The semi-formal evening features a silent auction, dinner and live auction. Last year the dinner raised over USD 200,000 in one night, with all fundraising proceeds going directly to the Child's Play network of hospitals.

Additional information can be found at the organisation's website.