Peter Gallagher and Jack Wilson are two compassionate and patriotic teens making a difference. The sixteen year olds from New York recently launched their new charity Games For Heroes www.GamesForHeroes.com. What began as a letter writing campaign for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in local schools to cheer up the troops rocketed into a noble endeavor during their Spring Break this March. When they realized that next to letters, handheld video devices, games and batteries were the most requested items of the deployed troops, they knew what their next step would be. They ran their idea by Marines in the White Plains, NY Recruiting Station who enthusiastically supported their plan and said, "From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for doing this."

Peter and Jack set a goal to collect a handheld video device, games and batteries for every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan who wants one. Marines will get the first 1000 and then they will be sent to all members of the Armed Services. They built their own website and quickly gained recognition by other websites who proceeded to promote their cause. Military.com, the largest military and veteran membership organization was one of the first to acknowledge them.

In the first month they have raised $9000 in cash, handheld video devices, games and batteries. Capcom and G-Net have contributed thousands of dollars of games. Specifically, they are collecting Gameboys, Nintendo DSs and PSPs. They can be new or used--as long as they work.

There are so many heart warming stories since Peter and Jack began the charity and they have been touched by the notes that have accompanied the contributions. Among the highlights are the Marines who wrote that they were donating the handheld devices they used in Iraq and Afghanistan and the woman from Texas who sent a note with her donation that said, "You boys have restored my feeling that people have not forgotten about my son in Iraq." One of the most poignant stories is the 10 year old who gave them his Gameboy and all his games in a pouch. When they asked him why he didn't just rake leaves for $5 and donate that he replied, "No, I want them to have this one." In addition to friends and relatives, strangers have placed collection boxes in fire stations, town halls, and churches and synagogues.

As the war in Iraq goes into its fifth year, this earnest effort will keep the troops in the thoughts and minds of Americans at home. Peter and Jack are our future heroes.

Westchester Teens’ Charity to Gather Games for Heroes Featured on WNBC Today in New York

White Plains/Scarsdale, NY.—July 7, 2008— On June 24, 2008 in a segment entitled, “Teens Get Video Games to Service Men, Women,” on WNBC Today in New York, Feature Reporter Cat Greenleaf showcased Games for Heroes www.gamesforheroes.com and Peter Gallagher and Jack Wilson. http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=268429 Highlighting their efforts to send handheld video devices and games to every troop in Iraq and Afghanistan, the story focused on the dedication of the two sixteen year olds to provide diversion for the soldiers. They are working with Marine Parents.com to ship the items to the troops. This segment has been broadcast on many NBC affiliate stations across the U.S.

To watch Games for Heroes on WCBS, click here...

For more information about the charity please visit: www.gamesforheroes.com