Reverse vending machines are coming to Michigan this holiday season -- instead of getting something, users will be able to give to those in need. Items range from hygiene products and clothing to educational supplies and livestock. Yes, livestock.
The Light the World Giving Machine initiative is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and provides "an instant act of service for people looking to help those in their community and around the world," according to a release from the church. "Visitors can make donations by purchasing items ranging in price from $5 to $250."
The Giving Machines will be available in 100 cities this year. Since 2017, donations have benefited local and global charities, said a spokesperson for the Detroit Giving Machines initiative, Chad Lyons. And for the first time, four machines will be in Michigan.
Two Giving Machines will be placed in Campus Martius in downtown Detroit on Thursday until Dec. 8 and then moved to Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids from Dec. 12 until Jan. 4. Another set of machines will be at Midland Mall from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31.
"Giving Machines look like traditional vending machines but instead of getting chips or candy they are full of items to purchase to benefit Detroit-area charities as well as global ones," Lyons said.
Items include clothes, glasses, books, backpacks, goats, chickens, pigs, sheep, beehives, community wells, meals, emergency shelter, therapy sessions, safe births for mothers, car seats and more.
The purchased item cards will fall into an enclosed display bin, and the donor will leave with a digital receipt.
In addition to 15 global charities, this year's nonprofit beneficiaries in metro Detroit include Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Zaman International, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Focus: HOPE and the Pope Francis Center.
Every donation goes entirely to the participating charities. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not receive any financial benefits from the initiative, Lyons said.
"During the 2023 holiday season alone, approximately 600,000 individuals visited Giving Machines in Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States, contributing $10.4 million in donations," according to the church.
For those unable to visit the machines in person, donations can also be made at lighttheworld.org/give.