(WWJ) -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has brought back their Giving Machines for another year.
The “popular vending machine that works in reverse” allows visitors to donate over 30 items to multiple charities during the holiday season. Jeff Day, stake president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said these items include meals for a family and strollers, along with farm animals for international communities.
“Every item donated through the Giving Machine – whether it’s a holiday gift, a gallon of milk or entrepreneurship training – is an investment in dignity, hope and self-reliance for a neighbor in need,” Zaman International’s Najah Bazzy said. “The Machines demonstrate how small acts of generosity can ripple out and transform lives.”
There are 131 cities participating worldwide. Locally, there is one machine in Detroit at Campus Martius and one at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. The Detroit location will be accepting donations from Nov. 18 through Dec.7, while the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets location will be open through Jan. 4.
The nonprofit organizations participating in this year’s Auburn Hills and Detroit Giving Machines are:
- Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan
- Focus: HOPE
- Jewish Family Service of Washtenaw County (Detroit Giving Machine only)
- Pope Francis Center
- RL Jones Community Outreach Center (Auburn Hills Giving Machine Only)
- Zaman International
Day said all operating costs are covered by the church, ensuring 100% of every donation is given to the nonprofits. Last year, 2,227 people benefited from the Detroit location alone. Those included items for infants, safety items and 133 livestock.
The Giving Machines is part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ larger “Light the World” initiative. According to their website, the initiative encourages people to do small acts of kindness throughout the holiday season.