The options at a vending machine in Gilbert during the holiday season didn’t include snacks or soft drinks. Instead, selections included hygiene kits, meals, or disaster relief boxes. It’s a unique concept of “give instead of get” at these mobile vending machines.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates these red mobile machines as part of their Light the World initiative. Donors select where they want their money to go and walk away knowing they helped someone locally or globally.
During the 2022 holiday season, these machines were placed throughout the United States, and one was at Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert. At that machine, donors could select Midwest Food Bank Arizona as a recipient. MFB was one of five local organizations chosen to receive money from the mobile machine.
“We received $129,435, and it is truly an honor to be part of this kindness movement hosted by the Church of the Latter-day Saints,” says Merilee Baptiste, Executive Director of MFB Arizona. “People of all ages were able to select a charity of their choice, and it was so touching.”
The money MFB received will be used for Tender Mercies, hygiene kits, food boxes, holiday meal kits, and disaster relief.
