CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: Stack Up
When I was looking to really push forward with LGCC, it was with the intention of immersion but also connection. Gaming can bridge so many gaps between people, and that's what Stack Up Founder, Stephen Machuga saw with gaming and our armed forces.
"I found the deep connection between gaming and service members because I WAS a service member second to being a gamer," Machuga commented.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) released survey results this past May suggesting that veterans believe that gaming has helped them in some way since leaving the military. 77% of veterans saying that they believe video games have a positive impact on their life. 86% of respondents believe that video games were a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, help the cope with difficult times (81%), and offers valuable means of staying connected with others (77%). Arguably most important, 74% of respondents believe that the video game community has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being. Similar results came from their time during service with several veterans saying that video games helped them relax and unwind and escape the stressors of military life, boosted morale and camaraderie, and provided an effective tool to foster teamwork and cooperation.
So, it's safe to say that the data is there, but it's a whole other thing to here the passion that Machuga has for this cause.
"While building the charity has been inspiring, the most wonderful part is knowing that we've actually saved people's lives. We may have supported over 70,000 veterans in our 10 years, but the idea that people are still alive because of our suicide prevention team or they got a little pick me up from unboxing a PlayStation is really the thing that gets me out of bed in the morning. I'll never know the actual number of peoples' lives we've saved, but it's not an insignificant number," Machuga stated.
So, how does Stack Up achieve its mission? Through its four pillar programs!
Supply Crates
Supply Crates are video game care packages that include a console and the latest games to send to deployed units and veterans in need. These crates are often fundraised for through Twitch streamers and donations, as Stack Up also sends a "thank you" message from the individual who funded the box.
"I was inspired by the shipping containers full of baby power and wet wipes that well-meaning civilians were sending us while we were deployed," Machuga commented. While there are a lot of well-meaning drives for deployed service members, some of the items aren't exactly useful. Machuga even mentioned a box full of harlequinn romance novels that his unit received because a library was liquidating inventory. Well-meaning, but not helpful.
Machuga went on to say, "...with the amount of money it cost to ship that crate, we could have bought an Xbox and really made a difference."
And it's true! Stack Up has been able to send numerous Supply Crates to deployed units across the world, and their testimonies are so heartfelt.
If you would like to recommend someone or a unit for a Supply Crate, click here!
Air Assaults
Air Assaults are all-expenses-paid trips to video game and geek culture events. These trips help combat the isolation that so many service members feel once they leave the military and offers them a door to community and connection. These events include Penny Arcade Expo, ComicCon, E3, TwitchCon, and more!
If you would like to nominate someone for one of these trips, click here!
The Stacks
The Stacks are teams of local volunteers around the globe who use gaming and other activities to connect to their communities! They work to spread Stack Up's mission through volunteering at the local level all while helping develop key skills like, public speaking, teamwork, and problem solving.
Overwatch Program (StOP)
The goal with Stack Up's Overwatch Program is simple: crisis mitigation. It is a peer-based mental health initiative to help those in crisis navigate those choppy waters. The primary way they do this is through their Discord Mental Health Game Nights, which currently include Minecraft, World of Warships, and Helldivers II. Their Discord server also has dedicated text channels and forum for non-crisis mental health discussions where community members can support one another.
If you'd like to join Stack Up's community Discord, click here.
Machuga had this to say about his long-term goals for Stack Up, "I'd like Stack Up to outlive me, but the 50-meter target right now is surviving the current chaotic administration and trying to get to a time where the economy has stabilized and people are comfortable donating to charity again." And isn't that the truth, it's been a rough year for us all.
We hope this collaboration is the start of some incredible change that we're able to make in the LGCC community, and huge thank you to Stack Up for working with us on this!