Christmas Gifts for Strangers: How Americans are Making a Difference
This holiday season, Americans are finding a new way to spread cheer. Instead of just buying gifts for family and friends, they're using special vending machines to help people they'll never meet. These machines, called Giving Machines, let people pick items like food, livestock, and school supplies for those in need.
Popular Gifts
- Food: Meals for kids and groceries for families
- Livestock: Chickens and goats to help families make money
- Education: Books, tuition support, and school supplies
- Personal Hygiene Items and Clothing
Who Benefits?
- Children in need
- People experiencing homelessness
- Low-income families
How It Works
The Giving Machines operate in reverse of regular vending machines. Instead of getting something for yourself, you're giving something to someone else. Every item is sent through trusted charities, and all the money goes directly to helping people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all the operating costs.
Impact
Since 2017, this initiative has raised over $50 million. That's a lot of food, education, and other essentials for people around the world. It's a simple idea, but it's making a big impact.
