Donate & Win: Your Chance to Score Epic Swag and Support a Great Cause!
The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread cheer than by participating in the annual GearTech Charity Drive? This year, we're offering you the chance to win over $4,000 worth of incredible swag while supporting two vital organizations: the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Child’s Play. Don't let the excitement of planning for the future distract you – you still have time to donate and enter for a chance to win! This isn't just about the prizes; it's about making a real difference in the lives of others.
The Impact So Far: A Generous Start
The first week of the drive has already seen incredible generosity from our readers. Over 300 individuals have contributed nearly $18,000 to either Child’s Play or the EFF. Currently, Child’s Play is slightly ahead with approximately 55% of the donations, but the race is still on! While we're thrilled with this initial support, we're still aiming to surpass the record-breaking $58,000 raised in 2020. The drive runs until Friday, January 2, 2026, so there's still plenty of time to contribute and help us reach our goal.
Don't delay your donation! The sooner you give, the sooner you'll be entered for a chance to win and the sooner these important charities can put your contribution to work.
Why Donate to Child’s Play and the EFF?
Both Child’s Play and the EFF are dedicated to making a positive impact, but they focus on different areas:
- Child’s Play: This charity provides toys, games, and books to children in hospitals around the world. Their mission is to alleviate the stress and boredom of hospitalization and bring joy to young patients.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): The EFF is a leading nonprofit defending civil liberties in the digital world. They champion users’ rights, fight for free speech online, and work to ensure technology supports freedom and innovation.
Your donation, no matter the size, directly supports these crucial missions. Choosing to donate is choosing to empower these organizations to continue their vital work.
Prizes Up for Grabs: Epic Swag Awaits!
This year’s prize pool is packed with exciting goodies, totaling over $4,000 in value. Here’s a glimpse of what you could win:
- High-end gaming peripherals
- Cutting-edge tech gadgets
- Exclusive merchandise
- Software licenses
- And much more!
For a complete list of prizes, be sure to check out the Charity Drive kickoff post. The prizes are chosen to appeal to a wide range of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.
How to Enter: It's Simple!
Participating in the Donate & Win sweepstakes is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Make a Donation
You can donate to either Child’s Play or the EFF using several convenient methods:
- Child’s Play: Donate via credit card or PayPal directly through the Ars Technica campaign page. You can also support them by selecting an item from the Amazon wish list of a specific hospital on their donation page.
- EFF: Donate via PayPal, credit card, or even cryptocurrency.
Remember, every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. There's no minimum donation amount required to enter the sweepstakes.
Step 2: Register Your Entry
Once you’ve made your donation, you need to register your entry. Follow these instructions:
- Obtain a digital copy of your donation receipt (a forwarded email, a screenshot, or a copy-and-paste of the text).
- Send the receipt to ArsCharityDrive@gmail.com.
- Include the following information in your email:
- Your full name
- Your postal address
- Your daytime telephone number
- Your email address
Important Details:
- Only one entry per person is allowed.
- Each person can only win up to one prize.
- This sweepstakes is open to US residents only.
- NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Official Rules for details on how to enter without making a donation.
- Please review the GearTech privacy policy for information on how your data is handled.
Key Dates to Remember
Keep these important dates in mind:
- Donation Period: Now – Friday, January 2, 2026
- Entry Deadline: 11:59 pm ET Friday, January 2, 2026
- Winner Selection: Winners will be contacted and asked to choose their prize by January 31, 2026 (prize selection will occur in the order winners are drawn).
The Growing Trend of Charitable Tech Drives
The GearTech Charity Drive is part of a larger trend of tech companies and communities leveraging their platforms for good. We're seeing a significant increase in gamified fundraising, where donations are incentivized with prizes and challenges. This approach has proven highly effective, particularly among younger demographics. According to a recent report by GivingTuesday, online giving increased by 30% in 2023, with a substantial portion driven by social media campaigns and online challenges. This demonstrates the power of combining technology with philanthropy.
Furthermore, the rise of cause marketing – where companies align themselves with charitable causes – is becoming increasingly prevalent. Consumers are more likely to support brands that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. This trend is expected to continue, with more tech companies integrating charitable initiatives into their core business models.
Don't Miss Out: Donate Today!
The Donate & Win sweepstakes is a fantastic opportunity to support two worthy causes, potentially win some amazing swag, and experience the joy of giving. Don't wait until the last minute – donate now and increase your chances of winning! Every dollar counts, and your contribution will make a real difference. Let's work together to make this year’s GearTech Charity Drive the most successful one yet!
Visit the Charity Drive kickoff post for more information and to start donating today!