‘Giving machines’ return to Gilbert, expand to Glendale for 2022
Nov 17, 2022, 4:35 AM
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints photo)
Phoenix — Vending machines that let people give back to those in need have returned to Gilbert and expanded to Glendale for the holiday season in 2022.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will place one “giving machine” at the Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert near Page Avenue and Gilbert Road on Nov. 18.
The Glendale “giving machine” will be located at Murphy Park near 59th and Glendale avenues on Nov. 22.
The machines let users purchase goods such as groceries, fresh water, child vaccines, beds, hygiene kits, farming equipment, medical care, job training, educational supplies, beehives and livestock, according to the website.
Since 2017, $15 million has been donated through the machines with $900,000 being raised in Gilbert alone.
There will also be mobile “giving machines” in Flagstaff, Tucson and Gila Valley that will stay in these cities temporarily and move around.
The machines are part of the church’s #LightTheWorld campaign, which asks people to spend the month leading up to Christmas as an opportunity to give back to those in need.
A live tracker of donations will be available on the church’s website.