DETROIT (WWJ) — While the holidays in Campus Martius are well-known for the massive Christmas tree, giant menorah, the world's largest red kettle, skating rink and more holiday joy, the Downtown Detroit park is getting something new this year.
Officials with the global Light The World campaign on Thursday unveiled the popular Giving Machines — a “reverse vending machine” concept that allows people to help those in need during the holiday season.
Giving Machines look like traditional vending machines, but instead of getting pop, chips or candy, they’re full of items to purchase for those in need — warm coats and clothing, hygiene items, meals, educational supplies, emergency shelter, and many other items, including livestock.
The Giving Machine, located at the south end of Campus Martius, allows users to donate anywhere from $5-250 to purchase the much-needed items through local and global charities. The machine will remain at Campus Martius through Dec. 8.
Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the group is working with five local charitable organizations — Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Zaman International, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Focus: HOPE and the Pope Francis Center.
Jeff Day with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told WWJ Newsradio 950’s Jon Hewett the Giving Machine at Campus Martius is “honoring the vision” of those organizations, along with two international groups.
“So rather than this just being reaching out to the rest of the world, we’re reaching right here at home in the city of Detroit and Southeast Michigan to deserving groups,” Day said.
Organizers say the initiative at this time of year will help Michiganders in their desire to help others in need. A study found about 61% of Americans feel more motivated to donate to charity during the holidays, while another study found that 68% of donors prioritize charities related to food, shelter and healthcare during the holiday season.
Launched in 2017, the Giving Machines program has collected more than $32 million for charities worldwide.
During last year’s holiday season alone, officials say about 600,000 people visited Giving Machines in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, contributing $10.4 million.
Those donations resulted in more than two million meals to feed the hungry, 11,000 backpacks or boxes of school supplies and more personal items. The donations also funded more than 17,000 goats, 125,000 chickens, over 2,000 beehives, 1,500 pigs and 1,400 sheep to provide families with long-term nutrition and income potential.
Last year’s program also helped fund vaccinations against polio and measles and gave shelter to domestic abuse survivors, veterans and seniors.