When it comes to supporting the community, Best Buy and Cortona Park Senior Living Center in Brentwood aren’t playing games; they’re giving them away.

The two Brentwood Chamber of Commerce members will each donate one of the popular Wii gaming consoles at the chamber’s monthly mixer, set for Thursday, March 19 at Cortona Park in Brentwood.

First introduced in 2006, Wii has risen in popularity to get people active again. Whereas traditional video gaming involves players sitting around and using their thumbs to press buttons on a controller, Wii games get people up on their feet with popular games such as bowling, baseball and tennis. Using a motion-sensitive remote, the games are popular among children and attract older adults who might otherwise be sedentary.

Cortona Park has selected the new Brentwood Senior Center as the recipient of the gift, while Best Buy Brentwood has selected the Sutter Delta Pediatric Department in Antioch.

“The Wii is so much fun,” said Cortona Park Executive Director Donna Spencer. “The games get the players active and interacting with one another. There’s a lot of laughter that happens when the Wii is on. We are honored to present this Wii to the Senior Center.”

According to Marlon Smith, manager of Best Buy in Brentwood, “We are excited to donate a Wii console to the kids at Sutter. It will hopefully aid in their recovery and get their minds off being in the hospital. It will also be nice for the parents to see their kids having fun.”

When asked about the Wii donated to Sutter, John Slatten, Sutter Hospital Foundation board member, was delighted. “It’s wonderful to see how people give to help others,” he said.

With a special hosting by the Contra Costa Wine, Grape & Olive Growers Association, the chamber mixer is expected to attract more than 100 chamber members. All local businesses, including non-chamber members, are welcome to attend.

Cortona Park is located at 150 Cortona Way in Brentwood. The mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. Call 925-634-3344 for more information.