{image1}From now until September 25th, ComedySportz is accepting donations for "Operation Iraqi Children," a charity founded by actor Gary Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand to help soldiers bring school supplies to the children of Iraq.

Donations will be accepted at ComedySportz, 420 S. First St., during regular show hours.

The plan is to fill a semi-truck with supplies by the 25th. If successful, it would be the largest single collection in the history of the Operation Iraqi Children program.

ComedySportz players will then take the truck to Kansas City, where donations will be sent and distributed throughout Iraq. ComedySportz is an improv show for all ages. Run like a sporting event, teams compete for audience laughter.

"Throughout Iraq, children lack basic school supplies such as pens and paper. They are in desperate need," says David Bogan, organizer of the Milwaukee event.

A former Marine veteran of Desert Storm and Somalia, he is now a performer and instructor at ComedySportz. "Because of my experiences in Kuwait and Somalia, my motivation is very personal. This is just a great way to reach out and directly help the Iraqi people," he said.

Dick Chudnow, founder and owner of ComedySportz, also supports the effort. "I think this is a great opportunity for us to make people aware and want to contribute." said Chudnow.

For show times, call (414) 272-8888 or visit www.comedysportzmilwaukee.com