North Texans can help those in need this holiday season thanks to a big red vending machine that’s traveling through the Dallas-Fort Worth area until the new year.
Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machine allows shoppers to make a purchase similar to a regular vending machine. But instead of snacks or drinks, the goods available for sale are donations going to a person in need through several local and international charities.
There are 30 items, according to its website. They range from a $5 cereal box for a child to $150 for a goat to support a refugee family.
“When I first learned about the Giving Machine, I thought what a cool concept that is,” Autumn Chavez, executive director of Lovepacs, said in a promotional video. Her organization, which is one of seven groups participating in the Giving Machine program, focuses on food donations.
The Giving Machine is currently located at the Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market in Grapevine. It will soon be relocated to Frisco between Dec. 7 and Dec. 18, before moving to McKinney from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1.
Elsewhere in Texas, there are also Giving Machines in Austin, San Antonio and Houston this holiday season.
The machine doesn’t accept cash, according to the program’s website.
“The machine brings us together and … allows people to really celebrate the spirit of Christmas and giving in the best way,” David Woodyard, CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas, another participating organization, said in a promotional video.