The Kindness of Gamers

Conway said many of the games are donated by publishers or bought at cost. In the past two years, the foundation has sent out over 15,000 games. In 2022, The Spiel Foundation rented a warehouse in Anderson, Indiana, and delivered over 27 pallets of bundles stacked 9 feet high. It took three semi-trucks to pick up and deliver all the boxes filled with games.

Of the 430 game bundles sent to schools thus far, 80% have gone to Title I schools — meaning at least 40% of students enrolled are from low-income families.

More recently, the foundation has been working to get game bundles into every Boys & Girls Club in the U.S. Currently, they’ve sent bundles to over 70 percent of chapters, including every chapter in 24 different states.

“I get thank you cards in the mail from many organizations — which just melts my heart and reminds me why I put in all the time to do this.” Conway said.

“Word kind of gets out when you do something on that scale,” Conway said. “It’s one of those ‘power of the Internet’ things, where one person said, ‘Hey, they’re sending games to schools and libraries, etc.’ Within three days, I had thousands of new organizations on the request list.”

The Spiel Foundation welcomes game bundle requests any day and any time. If you know of an organization who would benefit from a game bundle, fill out a request form at Thespielfoundation.com

In addition, The Spiel Foundation is working to develop a network of volunteer game teachers who can visit the organizations that have received a bundle and host game sessions. They are currently working with Kiwanis International on a pilot program that could include Key Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs around the world — all powered by the kind volunteers who wish to bring the joy of gaming to the folks who need it most.