Poker Players Donate Toys for Kids

As a kid, did you ever wake up on Christmas morning and not have any gifts under your Christmas tree?

Believe it or not, there are a bunch of kids who may go through the holiday season without experiencing some of the magic of Christmas. You wouldn't want to see that would you?

Pro poker player Billy Vogel doesn't, and for the past six years, he's been doing something about it. Vogel is once again spearheading a campaign aimed at doing some good in the world and he's inviting poker players along for the ride.

Vogel is asking players who may be so inclined to donate any amount that they feel comfortable giving. The money will go toward both the Toys for Kids program and the Global Medical Relief Fund Children's Hospital, as it has for the past five years.

Winter Wonderland

Billy typically buys a bunch of toys and distributes them to kids in need in New Jersey. This year, the toys will be handed out on Dec. 12 at the Winter Wonderland, a fun-filled day for children aged 3-12 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Providing free food, games, rides and toys, it makes the Christmas season worthwhile for kids who might otherwise not get to enjoy a holiday that most of us probably took for granted as kids.

You can contribute via Paypal here, via Skrill at [email protected], or transfer funds through PokerStars or Bitcoin. The beauty about this charity is that 100% of donated money actually goes to helping those who need it. No huge percentage goes to administrative costs or to send out mailers requesting cash.

Any donations received through November will go toward buying Toys for Kids for the Winter Wonderland distribution. Donations will still be accepted up until the Christmas holidays and the funds will be delivered to the Global Medical Relief Fund, as well as for more toys given to kids at Children's Hospitals.

Spread the Word

Last year, poker players tossed over $8,000 into the pot for kids, the most successful year ever since Vogel started his mission in 2010. Hopefully, that total will be surpassed this year.

Vogel gets a 35% discount at his selected toy store. He is also permitted to shop privately while the store is closed to other customers. So it makes sense to go through him. And every amount helps, no matter how small.

Any questions about this effort should be directed to @billyvogel on Twitter. Here is a website that provides a bit more information. Or check out the thread at 2 + 2 and see for yourself.