At GamePolitics we love to hear about gamers doing good - especially at this time of year.

So we're delighted to report that Child's Play, the charitable organization founded by the guys behind the popular Penny Arcade site, has raised more than $800,000 worth of toys, games and books for 35 participating children’s hospitals in the United States and elsewhere.

Contributions were raised through a charity auction, a charity dinner and via sales of Child's Play merchandise at Think Geek (T-shirt seen at left).

Said Penny Arcade's Robert Khoo:

A huge thank you to all of you who are helping improve the lives of kids this holiday season. The generous support of the game community has allowed Child’s Play to grow each year, reaching more children in more cities around the world.”

New participating children's hospitals include facilities in New Orleans, South Texas, Roanoke, Virginia, Philadelphia, Boston, Buffalo and Australia.