As geeks and nerds we all tend to spend a lot of time in our own heads. Whether that is reading a book, playing a video game, figuring out quantum theory, or watching our favorite sci fi movie. Sometimes you have to come out of your mental cave and look at what is going on in the world. There are charities out there that will appeal to your geekiness. To make it easier I have provided a list of some of my favorites and what is cool about them.
http://www.childsplaycharity.org/
Mission: Seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play.
“Here’s The Deal:
Since 2003, we’ve set up and organized Child’s Play, a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in our network of over 70 hospitals worldwide. Over the years, you as a community have answered the call and come together to raise millions of dollars.
Child’s Play works in two ways. With the help of hospital staff, we set up gift wish lists full of video games, toys, books, and other fun stuff for kids. By clicking on a hospital location on our map, you can view that hospital’s wish list and send a gift.
Child’s Play also receives cash donations throughout the year. With those cash donations, we purchase new consoles, peripherals, games, and more for hospitals and therapy facilities. These donations allow for children to enjoy age-appropriate entertainment, interact with their peers, friends, and family, and can provide vital distraction from an otherwise generally unpleasant experience.”
This is my favorite geek charity. It is cool because you can donate to the charity in general or on the website you can look for a hospital near you then be taken to a list of items that hospital needs and you can purchase specific items. Plus everyone (non gamers) like to paint the video game industry as villains but to a sick kid stuck in a hospital bed a video game is a way to escape.
“Lucasfilm Ltd., Nerdist Industries, Octagon and Machinima have teamed up to present Course of the Force, an Olympic-style lightsaber relay, where participants will make a journey from Santa Monica to San Diego while benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
At quarter-mile markers (much less than 12 parsecs), participants will hand off the official Course of the Force lightsaber to the next runner as they begin their leg of the journey. Course of the Force will take place July 7-11, in the days leading up to the annual San Diego Comic Con International.
Nerdist Industries’ founder Chris Hardwick and co-hosts will follow the action from the Course of the Force lead vehicle each day, broadcasting live to the Nerdist platform, including its YouTube channel. Machinima, the leading next generation video entertainment network for gamers, will produce and simulcast exclusive Course of the Force content through its multi-channel video network and will provide promotion for the event.
As the Course makes its stops along the iconic California coast, Star Wars-themed parties, contests and live Nerdist shows will cap off each day for fans to enjoy.”
If I was going to San Diego Comic Con I would definitely want to be part of this. This is really close to tempting me to go to San Diego Comic Con but I already have a geeky trip planned to PAX Prime so I can only hope this will become a yearly tradition. Because I can not think of a cooler way to kick off the Con
http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/
“Kids Need to Read Mission Statement:
Kids Need to Read works to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children.”
“Reading – it is the single most important skill children must learn to be productive members of society. Books open their minds, inspire their imaginations and stimulate their intelligence. As budget cutbacks increase, funding for libraries is often the first thing to go, especially in failing school systems. There are great numbers of schools that have been unable to buy new books for their students to read in years. Kids Need to Read was established to fight this disaster by sending exciting new books to underfunded schools and libraries across the United States, as well as to other organizations that provide literacy support to children, particularly disadvantaged children.”
Anything that Nathan Fillion supports just has to be cool right? I am a big fan of reading. I did alot as a kid and had limited access to books in my small town. I really did not know what I was missing though. But kids should have access to books. Also if you plan on going to Phoenix Comic Con this year you can support this charity by going to the Kids Need to Read Geek Prom.
http://www.joinwecanbeheroes.org/
“Countries in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya) are facing the worst drought in 60 years, causing a severe hunger crisis. According to the U.S. government, the crisis is unlike any other in terms of displacement, death and starvation of the population. More than 13 million people are in need of critical assistance. In Somalia alone, more than 250,000 people face starvation. Hundreds of thousands have fled to refugee camps seeking help. The situation is so critical that the United Nations officially declared famine for the first time in 21 years.
Humanitarian aid organizations are on the ground working to provide much needed relief to the drought and famine-stricken areas. But they need more help. They need our help.
Join the Justice League and DC Entertainment in raising awareness and funds for three nonprofit partners, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps, who are delivering aid where it is needed most. DC Entertainment will match donations 100%, and 50% of the purchase price from We Can Be Heroes products will go to saving lives.”
I would donate this just to say that I am part of the Justice League. If I donate I can say that right? But where is the Marvel Charity? I want to be one of the X-men too.
http://unicornpegasuskitten.com/
“A fantastical chapbook to benefit the Lupus Alliance of America.”
“Wil Wheaton, John Scalzi and Subterranean Press are proud to announce the publication of Clash of the Geeks, a special and fantastical electronic chapbook featuring stories by Wheaton, Scalzi, New York Times bestseller Patrick Rothfuss, Norton Award winner and Hugo Best Novel nominee Catherynne M. Valente, Hugo and Nebula Award nominee Rachel Swirsky and others, for the benefit of the Michigan/Indiana affiliate of the Lupus Alliance of America. The chapbook is free to download, but voluntary payment is strongly encouraged, via Paypal or by tax-deductible donation forms, both linked to later in this entry. All proceeds from this chapbook will go to the Michigan/Indiana affiliate of the Lupus Alliance of America. Please enjoy the stories, link your friends to this page — and give!”
I am in support of almost anything that Wil Wheaton does. He entertains me. If you have not yet seen the video of his wife making him sing Soft Kitty you are missing out. This just looks like some crazy fun. I will have to purchase it and tell you how it is because getting some cool stories and donating to a charity is a good combination.
I hope this has opened your eyes to some cool charities out there. I know there are more cool ways to donate but I just listed a few.