On December 14, 2012, a horrible tragedy happened to the residents of Newtown, Connecticut, when a heavily armed shooter killed 20 young children and 6 adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This terrible incident has left many of us shaken and still left wondering how such an event could have happened in the first place.

While there has been much discussion in the media over the potential causes, my first thought during the aftermath was, “What can we do as a community to help those impacted by this nightmare?” The gaming community is a powerful force when mobilized behind a cause. Recently, we’ve seen gamers contribute over $5 million dollars the Humble THQ Bundle and $8.5 million to a Kickstarter for a device (OUYA) that didn’t even yet exist. If we could crowd fund this kind of support for these causes, imagine how much goodwill we could send towards the citizens of Newtown, Connecticut.

So this is a call to the gamers worldwide. Let’s use our passion to help those who will need support to overcome this tragedy. We should actively contribute to the recovery efforts.

Donations can be made directly to the Sandy Hook Support Fund, which is being run by the United Way of Western Connecticut and the Newtown Savings Bank and is for the benefit of the victims and the community. Or you can donate directly to one of the victims’ causes as listed below (links provided by CNN). Support as much as you’re able, even if it’s just a dollar. And if you’re not in position to donate, send a letter of support or condolence to those who could certainly need it:

As a group, we can certainly make a huge impact for the people of Newtown. So donate, send a letter, and spread the word that the gaming community working together can be game changers. For those who feel inspired to contribute in some way, feel free to post a general or detailed comment stating what actions you took, if you feel comfortable doing so.

Charlotte Bacon - In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlotte’s memory may be sent to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Newtown, CT 06470.

Daniel Barden - In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daniel’s name to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

Dylan Christopher Hockley - Memorial contributions may be made to the Dylan Hockley Memorial Fund, 34 Charter Ridge Road, Sandy Hook, CT, 06482.

Dawn Hochsprung - To leave an online condolence message, please visit MunsonLovetereFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions to the Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung Memorial Fund can be mailed to or dropped off at either Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union location. Visit WCTFCU.com for more information.

Chase Kowalski - In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Chase Kowalksi Scholarship Fund, c/o Peoples Bank, 470 Monroe Tpke., Monroe, CT 06468. To leave an online condolence please visit SpadaccinoFuneralHome.com.

James Mattioli - In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in James’ memory to the James R. Mattioli Memorial Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470. To leave an online condolence please visit SpadaccinoFuneralHome.com

Emilie Parker - You can send a message to Emilie’s family or donate to their fund via a Facebook page set up for Emilie.

Noah Pozner - You can send a message of support to Noah’s family via this Facebook page.

Caroline Previdi - Contributions in Caroline’s memory may be made to “The Toy Chest”, St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470

Jessica Rekos - Memorial contributions may be made to theNewtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund, PO Box 263, Newtown, CT 06482.

Victoria Soto - The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Victoria L. Soto Memorial Fund for Education, through the Funeral Home.

Benjamin Wheeler - To leave a message of condolence for Benjamin’s family, please click here.

Allison Wyatt - Allison Wyatt’s family has designated two funds for those interested in making a contribution in lieu of flowers. Donations payable to the Allison Wyatt Memorial Fund are tax deductible and will support charities in Allison’s honor. The second fund will provide Allison’s younger sister with ongoing support and for her college education. Donations to this fund should be payable to “Ben Wyatt as Custodian,” and donations to either can be mailed to Steve DeMartino, c/o TransAct Technologies Inc., One Hamden Center, 2319 Whitney Avenue, Suite 3B, Hamden, CT 06518.

Also, if readers would like to disseminate this page or any of the links above, consider using #GameChangers as a hashtag. Thanks in advance to all.