Hey there, Austin.

We know from extensively covering Mower County that local residents are incredibly generous in giving to charity. We know local residents make a pastime out of breaking donation records for good causes. We have a unique cause for you, where all proceeds go towards treating sick children.

The Herald staff and friends are participating in Extra Life, an annual 24-hour video game marathon to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, which treat children across the nation. We will play video games for 24 hours straight starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. All of our proceeds will go to Gillette Children’s Specialty Hospital, the only CMN hospital in the state.

We know this fundraiser sounds a little goofy. That’s because it is. Yet it’s for a good cause and it’s something anyone can participate in. The Herald hopes to raise at least $500 for its first time participating in Extra Life and we’d appreciate any money you could find in your heart to donate. You can drop by the Herald office all this week or you can find our donation page at www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=501&teamID=7420.

We’ll promote our charity efforts all next week and chronicle how well we do next Saturday through articles and multimedia.

Though playing video games for 24 hours probably won’t be as easy as it sounds, the children who receive care at hospitals nationwide deserve the best facilities we can give.

So please: help local children who may go to Gillette for illnesses and ailments. Help children statewide receive quality healthcare. Help U.S. children improve their lives. It may be fun and games for us, but a donation is serious business for a sick child.