Give the gift of health!: RMU Health Clinics’ services available to gift through giving machines in Orem
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- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions president Cameron K. Martin Looks at the Giving Machine at University Mall in Orem.
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- Mascots for local universities pose for a photo in front of the Giving Machine at University Mall in Orem.
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- A representative from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions talks to visitors at a booth at University Mall in Orem.
Ever wonder what a goat, toiletry kits, groceries, and an eye exam have in common? Or how about the link shared between hydroponic seeding packets, a counseling session, and school toilets?
The connection isn’t as random as it might seem.
These are among the items currently available to purchase for those in need from a Light the World Giving Machine at the University Place Mall. Having been unwrapped and launched in a festive celebration on Monday night at the Orem shopping center, these charitable vending machines are like those that can be found around 131 cities, 21 countries, and six continents through Friday, Jan. 2.
The annual charitable Light the World initiative has raised more than $50 million and delivered hundreds of thousands of items worldwide since 2017. The program allows participants to give a gift of kindness by purchasing tangible items and services from the red Giving Machines during the holiday season, with gifts ranging from livestock and farming tools, education, healthcare, job training to clean water, food, and clothing.
As the master of ceremonies noted during Monday’s kickoff celebration at the bustling mall, the Giving Machine program “is about spreading goodness … throughout the world.” It’s a meaningful and memorable way to show love and extend hope, healthcare, and happiness to individuals and families near and far.
The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) Health Clinics are one of five Utah County-based nonprofit organizations to team up with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) for the machines located next to Dillard’s in the Orem mall this year. The United Way of Utah County, Tabitha’s Way, the Food and Care Coalition, and Ability 1st Utah also have charitable items and services available.
RMU’s participation will help extend opportunities to provide impactful services at the University’s Provo-based clinics, including the Center of Communication Disorders, the Counseling Clinic, the Eye Institute, and the Physical Therapy Clinic.
RMU’s clinics serve two primary functions–providing healthcare to the community, including to underserved populations, and giving students opportunities for more hands-on experiences with actual patients who need care.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to participate in the Giving Machine initiative,” said RMU Health Clinics Senior Director Farley Sowards. “We’re hoping it helps us generate funding so that we can share our services with people who might not be able to afford all these things.”
Gifts that can be purchased–and will be distributed–through RMU’s clinics via the Giving Machines at this location include:
- An eye exam and free glasses for a youth or senior
- Physical therapy to support a child with mobility challenges or for Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s patients
- Learning devices to help non-verbal children develop and practice early communication skills
- An emotional healing counseling session for youth navigating a personal crisis
- An educational camp experience for speech and language development
“I think it’s fantastic that the Rocky Mountain University Health Clinics are being featured here,” RMU President Cameron K. Martin said. “By partnering with the LDS Church, the Light the World campaign, and the Giving Machines here in this community, it brings more awareness to the services that we provide–and we’re helping those in need. It can’t get much better than that.”
More than 80% of all items in each Giving Machine directly benefits people in the local community, while 100% of each donation goes directly to the participating nonprofit organizations.
“It totally aligns with the mission of who we are and what we do at RMU. This is all about loving and lifting those in need,” Martin said. “By doing this and joining with other charitable organizations that are gifting their time, talent, and treasure, we’re improving the human condition one person at a time. That’s why we exist. Our students are also having an opportunity to participate in these services, which makes it all the sweeter.”