SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A new type of vending machine is attracting attention at Spokane Valley Mall this holiday season, but shoppers won’t find candy bars or soft drinks inside.
The “giving machines” allow customers to purchase meals, clothing, and other essential items for people in need throughout the community.
Spokane Valley is among only 126 cities worldwide chosen to host these giving machines during the holiday season. Hundreds of people gathered for the machines’ debut.
“My three oldest don’t live at home and they were sending me texts. ‘Guess what? You get a giving machine in Spokane’ and so when they came here, that was the number one thing they wanted to do was come to the mall and do the giving machine,” said a member of the Hartshorn family.
The giving machines partner with local organizations to distribute purchased items to those who need them most. Second Harvest, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, and SNAP work with the program to ensure donations reach community members facing food insecurity and other hardships.
Since 2017, giving machines worldwide have generated more than $44 million in donations.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints covers all costs and credit card fees, so 100% of your donation goes directly to local and global charities.
The Spokane machines will operate through New Year’s Day at the Spokane Valley Mall.
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