What Is a Giving Machine, and Where Do I Find One?
by Kiera Elledge
Giving Machines are special vending machines that let you "purchase" items like meals and medical care for those in need, offering a simple, impactful way to give back during the holidays.
Giving Machines are easy to spot during the holidays - they look like a giant Coca-Cola vending machine and some even have huge red bows on top of them! These are unique vending machines designed to inspire generosity and make charitable giving easy. Installed in various cities around the world during the holiday season, these machines offer donors the chance to make an impact by “purchasing” items for those in need. Instead of snacks or beverages, the Giving Machines present options like meals for the hungry, school supplies, livestock for struggling families, and even medical care. With a simple swipe of a credit card, contributors can make charitable donations on the spot. This project, launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2017, has quickly gained world-wide popularity as people have been drawn to its simple, immediate way to give back.
The concept behind the Giving Machines is both clever and meaningful: it removes the sometimes overwhelming question of “how to help” by providing concrete, specific donation choices. Donors can choose how their money will be spent, providing a sense of connection with the local, national and/or international causes they are helping. Each Giving Machine features a range of options with varying donation amounts, allowing people to give according to their means. The items in the machines are carefully selected in partnership with well-known charities to ensure that the contributions address real, pressing needs and 100% of all of the money spent at the Giving Machines goes directly to the charities.
Since their introduction, the Giving Machines have raised over $32 million dollars for charitable causes globally. They have become a popular seasonal attraction, especially in high-traffic areas like shopping centers and holiday markets, where large groups of people gather. Each year, more cities request these machines, and the project continues to expand. This year, the machines will be in over 100 cities around the world! The Giving Machines not only simplify the process of donating but also raise awareness and foster a culture of compassion and generosity, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
So, where can you find one of these amazing machines and have a wonderful experience serving and blessing others in a unique way? Just make your way to Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas, starting on November 22. The Giving Machines will be at Napoli’s Cafe, located at 309 S. Main Street, through December 5. During that time, there will be a tree lighting, a parade and a drone show by the city of Grapevine, as well as various musical acts and other performances and activities by local artists and school districts. There will be volunteers at the machines from 9am to 9pm daily to assist shoppers and representatives from the machine’s charities there to share information about the work they do.
To learn about the charities being supported and what items are available in the Giving Machines this year, go to www.texasgivingmachine.org and click on the Dallas - Fort Worth link. You can also follow news and updates about the North Texas Giving Machine on Instagram or Facebook.
If you are a member of the Hurst Stake and would like to volunteer to assist at the Giving Machines on either Friday, November 26th or Wednesday, December 4th, please sign up here.