By Tim Harfmann
Special vending machines called ‘Giving Machines’ don’t accept change — but they will change lives. “It said ‘help 100 children get the polio vaccine.’ I think that’s really cool,” said Sadie Lish, who used the machine. “I just bought someone a cow!” said Marilee Jacobson Moe, another donor.
They’re stocked with pictures of essentials for those in need, both in New York and in third-world countries. The effort is a collaboration between humanitarian organizations including UNICEF and Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New York.
Located near Lincoln Center on the corner of West 65th Street and Columbus Avenue, passerbys understood the importance of helping others this Christmas. “It makes me really think about my needs verses the things I’m paying for. I can’t believe the things that other people need that I take advantage of everyday,” said Brandy Snider, a donor visiting from California.
Prices range from two-to-two-hundred-ten dollars. The three machines in Manhattan were installed the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — known as Giving Tuesday. So far, the vending machines have raised 1.4 million dollars in goods. All you have to do is swipe your credit card, type in the item number and watch the card drop.
Similar machines are located in Utah, Arizona, London and the Philippians. The most popular items are livestock, food and eyeglasses. Marilee Jacobson Moe bought a cow for $150. “A cow can continually feed a family. It can feed a village. It will sustain a group of people,” said Jacobson Moe.
Eight-and-nine-year-olds Lucy and Giselle Fox are visiting from Virginia. They wanted to help less fortunate children this holiday season. “I kind of bad for them because they don’t have that much, so I wanted to give to them,” said Giselle. “People don’t have toys and some people do. Everyone should have toys,” said Lucy.
You can purchase items until New Years Eve and share your pictures on social media using the #LightTheWorld.