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Penny Arcade’s annual gamer charity benefiting sick kids around the world, Child’s Play, is at it again, and with a great start under its belt for 2009.

Child’s Play began in 2003 after a barrage of negative media stories, portraying gamers as soulless murderers in training, forced the Penny Arcade authors into action. Calling their readership of millions of gamers into action, Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins began collecting donations for their local children’s hospital, and soon some $250,000 in donations poured in.

In the years since, Child’s Play has continued to grow. As of right now, the 2009 drive has already broken $1 million in donations to children’s hospitals around the world. Beyond being a great cause in general, I personally believe “charity starts at home.” Child’s Play is unique in this respect, in that over 70 hospitals around the world participate, so there is a good chance you can donate to a hospital in your hometown. For me, the Riley Hospital for Children is just downtown less than an hour away, and is where I will take my own kids if they require serious hospitalization. Helping any sick child is a worthy cause, but the fact you can help the sick kids on your block is a serious draw for Child’s Play, and something I encourage everyone to check out.

I know in these difficult economic times it is harder than ever to find money to spare, but I hope everyone takes some time to look over the Child’s Play website, check out the letters from patients and parents, and maybe find something on your local hospitals wish list to donate. I especially enjoy finding something with personal meaning to me, such as an old underrated game I loved playing (cough Psychonauts cough), which I can now share with a child. If not, that is fine! They offer other ways to help from banners for your website (like the one I have above) to Facebook and Twitter pages you can use to get involved. However you help, let’s spread the word and share the passion and love we have for gaming and help some sick kids have a Merry Christmas!