How Gamers Can Give Back on #GivingTuesday

Ways to give back and help others during today’s #GivingTuesday event.

Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes a different event that aims to promote charity rather than consumerism. This event is known as #GivingTuesday and serves as a day where people from across the globe can come together and give back to those in need. 

There are countless ways you can give back this #GivingTuesday from donating blood to supporting one of the local charities in your area. In fact, did you know there’s a multitude of gaming-related charities out there that you can help right this very moment? 

Below, we’ve listed a few of our favorite gaming charities where you can help give back this #GivingTuesday!

ExtraLife

Extra Life is a charity where you can help raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals simply by livestreaming. All you have to do is head over to the Extra Life website and sign up. Once you’ve joined, simply pick a day that works for you, and commit yourself to livestreaming your favorite games for 24 hours.

If you are unable to dedicate a full 24 hours, you can put your 24 hours in across two 12-hour spans, etc. Additionally, there’s an option on the website to simply donate directly. With so many ways to help put a smile on a child's face, be sure to do your part and head over to the Extra Life website to learn more!

AbleGamers Foundation

The AbleGamers Foundation is a charity that aims to help people with disabilities enjoy the benefits of gaming. They do this by creating specialized equipment tailored to those in need, allowing them to game without restriction or complication. 

Gaming provides much-needed respite, and should be accessible to everyone and anyone interested! To help promote disabled gamers, you can donate directly to the charity, purchase an item from their shop, or volunteer in a multitude of ways. Be sure to learn more about how the AbleGamers Foundation is helping disabled gamers by visiting their website

8-Bit Salute

Photo courtesy of Stephen Oakley.

If you’re looking for a charity to help support our troops, look no further than 8-Bit Salute. This charity (which is part of Operation Supply Drop) aims to provide entertainment for our soldiers stationed both overseas and veterans here at home.

If you wish to help soldiers and veterans, you can do your part by checking out 8-Bit Salute and enlisting to a pre-existing streaming team (or start your own). Again, you simply stream games to raise money for charity. Additionally, you can nominate a veteran, and donate directly to their cause. Or, you can do all three! 

Games Done Quick

Do you enjoy racing your way through a game? We know we do, which is why we love Games Done Quick! Games Done Quick is a charitable organization where speedrunning gamers can help raise money for a variety of charities. These charities include Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation

Similar to Extra Life and 8-Bit Salute, you can sign up to livestream your speedrunning extravaganza. However, instead of doing this at home you can do this in a fun setting alongside other gamers at one of their special events! Additionally, if you are unable to attend these events you can always donate directly. After all, we like speed, and donating directly is a quick and easy way to help out! 

Humble Bundle

If you love buying games as much as we do, you may have visited Humble Bundle’s website before. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the website and how it helps charitable organizations we’ll get you up to speed. First, various bundles are presented which give you the option to pay what you want for certain games.

The money you spend can be designated to go towards one of the rotating charities the bundle supports (you can even choose your own charity). Humble Bundle is a great way to learn about new charities and donate moneywhile also receiving some cool games in the process. Be sure to check out Humble Bundle’s current game bundle where the proceeds go towards DirectRelief and Charity: Water!

The examples above are only a few of many incredible charities where gamers can help better the lives of others. This #GivingTuesday, be sure to do a little research on different charities and help out any way you can. Doing good for others feels good in return, and with so many fantastic programs like the ones listed above, it’s easier than ever to give back not just today… but throughout the year!

For more info on how you can help others, be sure to check out some of our other features including in-depth looks at AbleGamers and 8-Bit Salute! Additionally, learn how downloading and playing Sea Hero Quest can benefit Alzheimer's research.

Morgan is a writer, indie game lover, and socially awkward coffee addict. Need something? Morgan can be reached at morgan.shaver@allgamers.com or if you like, you can say hello using GIFs on Twitter.

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