A new kind of vending machine opened in Waco on Wednesday — one that doesn’t dispense snacks, but donations.
The Giving Machine, part of a global holiday initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allows visitors to donate to seven Central Texas nonprofits and several global charities with a tap of a card. The machines will operate through Dec. 30 inside Spice Village in downtown Waco.
“From now through December 30th, this very spot becomes a place where generosity shines — where simple choices make a meaningful difference,” emcee Ann Harder said during the ribbon cutting.
Local nonprofits featured
Among the participating organizations is Friends for Life, which supports seniors and people with disabilities. Executive Director Inez Russell said the donations go toward practical, high-need items.
“We have lap blankets — our seniors get pretty cold in the winter. We have heaters, activity sets and personal care items for our homebound people,” Russell said. “It also helps us connect with people we might never have met before.”
The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children is also included. Executive Director Aleigh Asbury said every item purchased helps support services that are free to clients but costly to provide.
“All of our services are at no cost to our clients, but they’re high cost to provide,” Asbury said. “Often people don’t know that we exist unless they’ve had to use our services, so this brings awareness.”
Items benefiting the Advocacy Center include stuffed animals, counseling sessions, snacks for families at hospitals and forensic interviews used in child abuse investigations.
Donors of all ages
The machine drew families shortly after opening. Twelve-year-old Charlotte, one of the first children to make a purchase, said she chose to donate a goat through one of the global options.
“I like animals, and I wanted to give a family the chance to have a goat,” she said, adding that giving “doesn’t have to be extravagant… it can be anything, as long as you’re helping others.”
Part of a global initiative
The Light the World Giving Machine program operates in more than 20 countries and over two dozen cities. Elder George Contreras, a regional leader with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the effort is meant to encourage service during the holiday season.
“Instead of thinking about receiving, we need to think about giving,” Contreras said. “These machines are a tool to tap into the goodness of people.”
How to participate
The machines are open daily during Spice Village hours. Donation options range from a few dollars to larger gifts. Each item displays a description of what the contribution provides, and 100% of the donation goes directly to the nonprofit.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
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