Submitted
More than 4,000 Hoosiers have flocked to the Light The World Giving Machines at Clay Terrace and Newfields this holiday season to donate to local and global charities.
The popular “vending machine” style donation experience opened in Indianapolis and Carmel just after Thanksgiving. Indiana is one of 61 locations worldwide chosen to host Giving Machines.
“We know many Hoosiers want to donate over the holidays, but don’t always know where to turn,” said Light The World Giving Machine Indy Co-Chair Paul Sinclair. “It’s been remarkable to see how many people have discovered the Giving Machine and brought their families and friends. We’re inspired to see ‘Hoosier Hospitality’ translating into ‘Hoosier Generosity.’”
Here’s a look at just some of the donation totals as of Dec. 20:
- Hoosiers have donated more than 50,000 eggs through Gleaners.
- Flanner House can feed 350 people a healthy, nutritious meal thanks to Giving Machine donors.
- So far, almost 200 winter clothing bundles and 200 sports items have been donated to children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
- Hoosiers are sending 360 baby goats to people in developing countries to start a small business through Mentors International.
- 350 bags of high-quality seeds have been purchased and donated through iDE.
These are just a few of the examples of how the Giving Machine allows people to truly “love your neighbor.”
About the Giving Machine
The Giving Machine is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and provides an instant act of kindness and service for people looking to help those in their Indiana communities and around the world.
Visitors can make donations by purchasing items ranging in price from $3 to $300, and 100 percent of your donation goes to the charity cause of your choice. Items include clothing, hygiene items, meals, school supplies, life-saving medicine, even livestock. For example, you can swipe your card for $55 and purchase a baby goat that will be delivered to a farmer in Africa who in turn can produce milk, cheese, and more goats.
Donations can also be made at GivingMachine.org for those not able to use the machines in person. The machines will remain in place through Jan. 7, 2024.