After successful seasons in Nashville and Cool Springs, downtown Franklin is next to receive the 2023 Christmastime vending machines, known as The Giving Machines. The machines allow Tennesseans to support charities with the simple push of a button, like buying a drink or candy bar. However, in these vending machines, visitors can buy meals, clothing, home goods or even a goat for those in need. The items are provided and distributed by local and global charities.
The Giving Machines will be open to visitors daily from December 1-10, 2023 from 10:00am - 8:00pm in the lobby at 231 Public Square in Franklin, TN. Items in the machines range in price from $4 - $500, making donations truly accessible. A ribbon-cutting event will take place December 1 at 10:00 am where government officials, nonprofits, media and the public are welcome to attend.
In 2021 and 2022, the Nashville Giving Machines raised over $300,000 for the charities they featured. 100% of donations go directly to the charities; costs of the machines are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a part of their global "Light the World” campaign. There are more than 50 Giving Machines worldwide in 7 different countries. Since their launch in 2018, the machines have collectively raised more than $22 million for local and international charities. To see video of direct distribution of goods donated from years past to recipients around the world, along with emotional testimonials of lives affected, visit: HERE.
The local and international charities that will be featured are:
• Bridges DVC - domestic violence center offering safe shelter and crisis intervention
• The Branch - food pantry and English Language Learning center
• Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury - provides housing for low-income families
• Greenhouse Ministries - provides food, basic physical necessities, and counseling
• CARE - provides life saving services for women and girls
• African Girls Hope - provides school aged girls in Africa with a formal education
• American Red Cross - provides global relief and support to those in crisis
Founder of Bridges DVC, Linda Crockett believes community support is the key to healing this holiday season, stating, “Your support giving to Bridges though the Giving Machine helps us provide services to domestic violence victims which can cause generational change in families! Moms are able to parent instead of protect. Children are able to feel safe in their home and flourish.”
Franklin Stake President James Steanson invites everyone to unite behind this unique event. “I love how the Giving Machines bring us together as a community. It shows us the power we have when we come together and determine to help others; to rally around a good cause. The goodness that flows from Christ-like actions never ceases to amaze me!”
For more information about the event schedule or items inside the machines, please follow us on Facebook at “Giving Machines Nashville” and Instagram @givingmachinesnashville.
