Extra-Life gaming marathon lets players help the community

If your kids already spend a lot of time playing video games, here's a way they can help out sick children and stay glued to the screen.

Extra-Life is a 24-hour gaming marathon in support of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, including Duke Children's Hospital. Gamers get friends and family members to sponsor their play with a monthly pledge or one-time gift. The money they raise goes to help save and improve the lives of kids at Duke and elsewhere.

The event takes place starting at 8 a.m., Oct. 20, though you can choose a date that works better for your schedule. You can play the games anywhere you like. Most play at home. And it can be computer games, video games, cell phone games ... really, anything!

(Duke Medicine is Go Ask Mom's sponsor).