The holiday season has arrived, and people are beginning to think about gift-giving and spending time with loved ones, gathered around for a holiday feast. As people begin shopping for the holidays, red vending machines are appearing in locations around the United States. As part of the Light the World campaign, the Giving Machines give people an opportunity to donate to local nonprofits that directly help people in need.

During the 2019 holiday season, more than $6 million was donated through Giving Machines around the world, and hundreds of thousands of dollars helped local families in Utah County. Community Action Services and Food Bank is honored to again be participating with the Giving Machines in 2021, providing options to feed families during the holidays and beyond. Here are some things to know about donating through the Giving Machines this year:

Local impact

Community Action Services and Food Bank has been participating in the Giving Machines since 2019, and community members have been directly impacted by donations. The 2019 campaign brought in $230,000 in donations for our agency alone, an amount that took the administrators and staff completely by surprise and brought many to tears. The money that is donated through the machines goes directly where people choose to donate it, whether they purchased individual pantry items, a holiday meal or other items.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Action Services and Food Bank was able to help many struggling families in need with donations from the Giving Machines,” said Tom Hogan, Chief Operating Officer of Community Action Services and Food Bank. “A lot of these families were grateful to learn there were no strings attached to the food they received.”

In one instance, meals were taken to a local elementary school that was closed due to the pandemic, and staff members knew exactly which families needed them most.

“Thanks to these generous donations, we were able to give people food beyond typical staples and provide new, fresh items families could actually use,” Hogan said. “Providing meals to hungry families helps stabilize them and build relationships so we can continue to provide support.”

The money donated to Community Action Services and Food Bank was used for Easter hams, Nutrition Paks for kids, food for senior food pantries and other areas. Holiday meal items were also purchased from a local supermarket to put the money back into the community.

Changing lives

Donations through the Giving Machines can change lives, both for those receiving them and the donors themselves. An estimated 13 million children in the United States are faced with food insecurity. Donations like those given to Community Action Services and Food Bank can help hungry families and children get healthy food for their home. Donors can be impacted by the service they give as well.

I helped people at the Giving Machines in the past and saw their enthusiasm and generosity first-hand. Children often brought money they saved up and bought items like Nutrition Paks to help other kids. The children felt a connection to other kids like them and were happy to help their peers. I watched as parents helped their children with extra money to donate, and it was heartwarming to see the spirit of giving from parents and children alike as they chose items to buy for others.

How to give

Individuals can spend anywhere from a couple of dollars to hundreds at the Giving Machines to buy specific items for others. Donations have an impact both locally and globally, depending on where donors want their money to be used. Participants have purchased livestock or clean water for people in third-world countries or meals for neighbors in their own community. Partnerships with worldwide and local charities allow funds to go to the product of each donor’s choosing.

This year, Community Action Services and Food Bank will have five items available for purchase through the machines. These include children’s take-home meals for $5, pantry staples for seniors for $15, a full holiday meal for a family for $30, 100 meals for $50, and 300 meals for $150.

The Light the World Giving Machines provide opportunities for individuals to donate and serve others this holiday season. Whether people are able to donate a small amount or more, they can choose items that can change someone’s life locally or across the world.

Karen McCandless is the CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank in Provo. CASFB is located at 815 S. Freedom Blvd., Ste. 100. For more information on educational programs, how to make donations, upcoming classes, food drives and more, visit communityactionuc.org or call (801) 373-8200.

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