By Sara Beth Williams–
A new vending machine selling items that will benefit families and individuals in need has officially opened at the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville, with a Citrus Heights–based organization as one of five nonprofits participating.
The Giving Machine, officially launched on Nov. 21 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offers a unique, hands-on way for shoppers to provide meaningful gifts to people in need. Instead of dispensing snacks, the vending machine drops donation cards representing items such as meal vouchers, hygiene kits, backpacks of essential supplies, shower vouchers, and more.
Each machine allows shoppers to select gifts using a touchscreen, select a nonprofit, pay by card or mobile wallet option, and watch a symbolic donation card drop, acting as a visual reminder that small acts of kindness can make a measurable impact.
For the Citrus Heights-based Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, being chosen was an honor, said director April Jacek, who added that items selected will benefit the selected nonprofit 100 percent. “There were only five nonprofits in all of Northern California chosen.”
The Light the World initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, operates kiosks in 126 cities worldwide this year. Each machine features a mix of local charities and global partners, with 100 percent of every donation going directly to the nonprofit selected.
Other local beneficiaries include Jake’s Journey Home, Stand Up Placer, The Salvation Army, and the Sacramento Children’s Home. Global partners this year are UNHCR and Mentors International, offering items ranging from school kits to micro-loans and baby goats for families launching small businesses.
Major Peter Pemberton of The Salvation Army said in a news release that this year’s collaboration with the Giving Machine “allows us to serve more families, more children and more seniors than ever before.” He added that the effort highlights how “hope grows when people give joyfully.”
For Citrus Heights residents looking for a simple, meaningful way to give this season, Jacek says the Giving Machines offer an opportunity to support local families directly.
