Ars Technica Launches 19th Annual Charity Drive for Child's Play and EFF

The 2025 edition of Ars Technica's annual Charity Drive has commenced, with the online publication encouraging its readers to donate to the Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. This year's drive marks the 19th consecutive year that Ars Technica has organized the charity event, which has been providing toys and games to children being treated in hospitals worldwide since 2007. According to Ars Technica's managing editor, John Timmer, "We're thrilled to see the continued support from our readers for these two vital organizations. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's efforts to defend internet freedom are more crucial than ever, and the work of Child's Play in bringing joy to children in hospitals is truly heartwarming." Timmer added that the charity drive has seen significant growth over the years, with readers raising nearly $40,000 in 2023 alone, contributing to a total haul of over $542,000 since the drive's inception. The charity drive has gained international attention, with readers from across the globe participating in the event. In a statement, the Electronic Frontier Foundation's executive director, Cindy Cohn, expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, "We're grateful for Ars Technica's continued partnership and for the generosity of their readers. Their contributions will help us continue to defend the rights of internet users worldwide." The charity drive has also been endorsed by prominent figures in the tech industry, including notable gaming personalities and tech influencers. This year's charity drive offers a unique opportunity for donors to win a range of high-value prizes, including gaming hardware and collectibles, apparel, and more. The prizes, valued at nearly $5,000, have been generously donated by vendors and are available to donors who contribute to the charity drive. The drive will continue until a specified deadline, and readers can donate and participate in the prize draw through the Ars Technica website. As the charity drive gains momentum, Ars Technica's readers are expected to continue their tradition of generosity, with many already showing their support on social media using the hashtag ArsTechnicaCharityDrive. The drive's success will be closely monitored, with updates provided on the Ars Technica website and social media channels.