Lincoln Students Find Way to Give through Games

So, the duo decided to take their passion and turn it into a charitable opportunity.

And in 2018 Games to Give, their non-profit dedicated to providing games to adults and children in need and to active U.S. military personnel serving overseas and others, began.

“We are two teenagers who love playing board games, so we decided to start a nonprofit organization to allow us to share games with others,” Grady said.

Since the organization’s inception, Hayden and Grady have given more than 850 games—more than 560 of those games were given in 2020 alone.

The young men have been best friends since they were four. Their moms met at a mutual friend’s birthday party, and the rest was history. They now both belong to Boy Scout Troop 806 and spend time together donating games and playing them. Although they play a lot of strategy-type games, they said they do enjoy the occasional popular board games.

Hayden Slade and Grady Smith hold boxes full of games they donated.

Hayden and Grady collect games for donating year-round. The games can be new or gently used (they just request that the used games have all of the pieces and instructions to accompany them). They also accept monetary donations that are used to purchase games.

Games to Give has been life changing for Hayden and Grady.

“It has just been amazing,” Hayden said.

He pointed out that an experience with a nearby camp that offers inner city kids exposure to nature is one he will never forget. The boys donated about 40 games to the camp.

“They were just so grateful,” according to Hayden.

Both boys are thankful for the support and encouragement they have received from their families. Grady said his entire family has been helpful and very giving. He said his grandmother helped get the organization started with a $100 donation.

If you are interested in donating, please email Hayden and Grady at donate@gamestogive.org. You can also donate via Paypal: paypal.me/gamestogive or Venmo: @gamestogive.

To learn more about Games to Give, visit their website and Facebook page.