Giving Machines Return to Grapevine, Encourage Charitable Donations
By Kiera Elledge & Shane Dawson
The Giving Machines ready for business!
As part of an ever-expanding effort by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread holiday cheer by promoting a Christlike spirit of giving, three Giving Machines made a return appearance in Grapevine from November 22 through December 5 of this year.
Thousands of visitors stopped to make a vending-machine-style donation to one of several local and international charities, enjoy live entertainment, and learn about other ways to give back. The machines were located just north of local favorite Napoli’s Italian Kitchen and Market along Grapevine’s bustling Main Street, during the season when this historic town transforms into the bona fide Christmas Capital of Texas.
Many of the donation options featured in this year’s Giving Machines were created in partnership with local nonprofits. 6 Stones is one such organization. From their headquarters in Euless, 6 Stones coordinates a variety of programs, including the Community Powered Revitalization (CPR) initiative to repair homes for those in need, the New Hope Center to provide food and clothing for families in crisis, Operation Back 2 School to equip students with essential supplies, and seasonal outreach efforts like Night of Hope to deliver Christmas joy to underserved children. Visitors to the Giving Machines could make donations to provide housing assistance, Christmas presents, sports equipment, and other services to community members through 6 Stones.
Jennifer Leney, 6 Stones Executive Director, stated, “I LOVE the concept of the Giving Machines! When we work together, we have the power to transform whole communities, and the Giving Machines provide us with a way that people from all faiths can come together to give back and give hope.”
6 Stones Board of Directors President Cindy "CJ" Jones shares their story with a passerby.
Other local options included weekend food bags for children in underserved areas, a warm night for a person experiencing homelessness, and a car seat or stroller.
A representative from Catholic Charities in Dallas shared the following: “A new mom shouldn’t have to choose between feeding her family and buying a car seat or stroller. Yet for many, financial struggles make these essential items out of reach. Just today, a panicked father came to CCD because his wife was in labor, and they couldn’t take their baby home without a car seat. A kind nurse at the hospital sent him to us, and thanks to donors like you, we were able to help. For families in the Dallas area, these aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. They’re how a mom safely brings her baby home from the hospital or takes her little one to the grocery store. Will you help us ensure every family has what they need to keep their baby safe and secure? Your gift can make all the difference. Donate today to support moms and babies in our community.”
Hurst Stake volunteers ready to greet new friends and answer questions about the Giving Machines.
For the two weeks that the Giving Machines were available in Grapevine, volunteers from nearby congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ helped guide visitors, put on musical performances, served hot chocolate, snapped hundreds of pictures, and even provided free arts and crafts! Our stake was responsible for two of the fourteen days and had incredible volunteers and performers who helped make a huge difference!!
President Vimahi shared his thoughts after he and his sweet wife, along with a host of amazing folks from the YSA Ward, spent the evening of Black Friday volunteering: “I think the Giving Machines are a great way to serve and show our love for Heavenly Father’s children throughout the world, and I know that many will receive blessings from it. I volunteered because of my love of service, and I feel very grateful to help and serve in any way.”
At the end of the Christmas season, these machines will also have operated in busy destinations in Frisco and McKinney, and other machines will have been available in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Stay tuned for the presentation of donations to the charities in early 2025!
