The “Giving Machine,” a popular vending machine that works in reverse by giving users an opportunity to donate items to charities, is open to the public in two locations – Clay Terrace and Newfields.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis has been selected as one of the nonprofit beneficiaries this holiday season. The machines are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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“We are grateful to be selected as one of the Indianapolis charity partners to benefit from this tangible way of holiday giving,” said Maggie A. Lewis, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
“The Giving Machine highlights some basic needs of our Club kids, and generous donations will help support the vital work our team does to help them build great futures.”
Giving machines
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis serve nearly 7,300 youth annually at five facility-based and five school-based sites in Indianapolis. The team is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help kids build great futures.
This is the first year that the organization is utilizing the Giving Machine.
With less than one week left to give, the giving is growing.
The machines have inspired 4,000 donors and counting to help with donating 200 winter clothing bundles and 200 sports items to the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis.
Katrese Miller became one of those donors after she and her family noticed the machines.
“We were visiting over the Thanksgiving holidays at Newfields. We saw the machines located in the lobby near the gift shop and we learned that it was a relatively new way and opportunity to give,” said Miller.
“It’s very creative. It’s another way of reaching the community and informing them of the concerns and issues and an organization’s mission. I also think that it’s a good option to be placed inside public areas and have the different categories that you can give to.”
Lewis said that aside from the machines this holiday season there are always different ways people can support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis throughout the year.
“I want individuals to know and understand that there are multiple ways for people to help. You can volunteer your time and talent with us. You can also buy a $25 membership for the year,” said Lewis.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis
Other Indianapolis nonprofit beneficiaries selected for Giving Machines this year include Flanner House and Gleaners Food Bank.
“We know many Hoosiers want to donate over the holidays but don’t always know where to turn. It’s been remarkable to see how many people have discovered the Giving Machine and brought their families and friends,” says Light the World Giving Machine Indy Co-Chair Paul Sinclair.
“We’re inspired to see ‘Hoosier Hospitality’ translating into ‘Hoosier Generosity.’”
The Giving Machines will stay open at both Clay Terrace and Newfields through Jan. 7.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
