It’s Better to Give and Game

By Sharon Miller Cindrich

Q: My kids are always talking about the new video games they're going to get–they’ve even started their holiday wish lists. Are there any resources online that can help me teach the importance of “giving”?

There’s no better time of year to teach kids gratitude and the joy of giving. In fact, you can combine your desire to teach charity with their interest in video games— something they can really connect with—in two simple ways:

Donate old game systems and games.
The Get-Well Gamers Foundation is dedicated to providing hospitalized children with video games. Studies have shown that playing video games is one of the best ways for patients to dull their pain receptors. Gaming has even been shown to shorten the length of their hospital stays. The organization accepts working video game systems and games, anything from 16-bit generations (1989 on) to the newest cutting-edge systems like the XBox 360 and Nintendo DS. Scratched or damages games can be repaired and partial donations are encouraged as well—controllers, wires, everything is welcome. The organization will even chip in for the shipping.

Buy a game for someone else.
Child’s Play is a Seattle-based charity started by video game enthusiasts. It has raised over a million dollars in donations of video games, toys and books for hospitals across the country. Children's Hospital in Oakland is one of their sponsored hospitals, and families can purchase a game from the hospital's Amazon wish list. Check local toy drives, too, for needy kids' requests.

The Kylee Lillich Charitable Giving Tree is one such local all-volunteer non-profit devoted to helping children year-round. Donations go to children who are hospitalized, grieving the loss of a loved one, or simply in need. Professionals at schools and hospitals in our area work with parents or guardians to determine kids' needs and make referrals. Most children ask for new warm clothes, new blankets and new baby items, or new toys or games. Occasionally a bike or special wish is granted. Giving Trees with wishes attached will be delivered November 17-21 this year. All collected toys and wishes for the holiday Giving Tree are due on December 11. Click here for more info on how you can help. Involve your kids in the process of choosing a child to give to and fulfilling that child's wish (shopping for the gift, wrapping it, etc.), or volunteering, and I'm sure they'll gain a new appreciation for what they have and the difference they can make in others' lives.

Sharon Miller Cindrich is a mother of two and the author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with your Tech-Savvy Kids and A Smart Girl’s Guide to the Internet.