How you can help someone in need at the Midland Mall this season
By Emma Blakley
The worldwide Giving Machine is visiting the Great Lakes Bay Region for the first time.
From Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, people can head to the Midland Mall to see the Giving Machine.
“This year, there are a record-breaking 106 Giving Machines located in 13 countries and 33 states within the United States,” Communication Director and Giving Machine Coordinator Jessica Larsen said. “We feel it a privilege to bring them to the mitten!”
The Giving Machine seems like a regular vending machine, but buyers don’t receive anything in return. Instead, whatever item they choose is donated to those in need. The Giving Machine is cashless, only accepting debit and credit cards, or mobile cards via tap or swipe. Online donation is also available to those unable to reach the physical machine.
There are various items to select from ranging from $5 to $250: STEM kits, eye exams, a healthy birth for mothers, or even livestock, which provides income to a family in Nairobi. Popular items from the week of Nov. 25 included: clean water, warm family meals, fresh bread, sanitary products, and teen leadership support.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has raised over 32 million dollars for local and global charities and covers all operational costs of the Giving Machine. Hidden Harvest, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, R.L. Jones Community Center, Lead, and Partner Shift Network have partnered with the Giving Machine as this year’s local non-profits.
“When you know 100% of your donation goes to the charity cause of your choice, it connects people to the needs of THEIR own neighbors,” Larsen said. “It is really empowering, especially when we have seen children approach the machines.”
Anyone above the age of 16 can also volunteer time to help run the machine. Positions include photographer, line helper, and lead volunteer/FAQ volunteer. Various days and time slots are available.
Other Giving Machine locations within Michigan include Grand Rapids Woodland Mall from Dec. 10 to Jan. 5, and Detroit Campus Martius Park from Nov. 14 to Dec. 08.
“In a very fast-paced world, slowing down for a few minutes to gaze at the needs of your local community in a bright red vending machine really opens your eyes to the nature of the people in the region. We have genuinely good people here who give so generously.” Larsen said.
For more information, or how your organization can get involved, follow Giving Machine Great Lakes Bay on Facebook or by emailing givingmachineglb@gmail.com.
