As shopping lists grow and festive holiday events fill the calendar, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. So, to make helping others easier, as part of their #LightTheWorld campaign, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has arranged for a Giving Machine to be placed at Westroads Mall from Friday through Dec. 31.
The Giving Machine is a vending machine experience where people can purchase items for a local or global nonprofit to benefit the underprivileged. The organization is partnered with local and international charities to fulfill their missions by providing essential resources and funding to those in need. Individuals can contribute to a wide range of causes from giving food, clothes and clean water to providing medical assistance and education. Prices range from $3 to $300.
“I had a great experience going to the Giving Machine for the first time last year and seeing the things I could donate that would benefit people around the world as well as the people in my own community,” sophomore Olivia Sanfilippo said.
All donations received though the Omaha Giving Machine will be directed towards the following charities: New Visions Homeless Services, Project Harmony, Foster Care Closet of Nebraska, Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement, Children’s Nebraska, Women’s Center for Advancement, Church World Service and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
Last year, Catholic Charities partnered with the Giving Machine.
“They have been a great partner with Catholic Charities and a lot of things that we do with our food programs,” Chief Community Engagement Officer of Catholic Charities of Omaha, Dave Vankat said. “They’ve been helpful in donating food that we donate through our market pantries and also providing volunteers for us. So we were very pleased when they asked us last year to participate in the Giving Machines.”
Since debuting in 2017, Giving Machines has worked with hundreds of charities, raising over $32 million. Last year, the goal in Omaha was to raise $30,000 through the Giving Machine, but with the help of community members, over $100,000 was raised.
“I felt connected to someone I will never meet in person through giving them a gift I could not give them without the giving machine,” Sanfilippo said. “I know they received a gift that would bless them and I received the gift being able to give some of what the Lord has blessed me with to others, which is the true spirit and meaning of Christmas.”
Just one swipe of a card could change someone’s life. With help from the Giving Machines, the #LightTheWorld campaign encourages individuals to do small acts of service that light the world, one at a time.
