The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has set up a unique vending machine on 65th Street and Broadway. Instead of Fritos, it “sells” charitable contributions. Among the recipients of the money are UNICEF and local food pantry the West Side Campaign Against Hunger.
See how it works in the video below.
Also, here’s what happened to West Side Rag reporter Carol Tannenhauser when she went to take a picture of the machine, with the full picture below.
I had just started talking to the two volunteers from the Church about the giving machines. They told me, “They’re vending machines, but instead of getting something, you give something.” Just then, an older woman plunged to the sidewalk, right there on Columbus Avenue, between 65th and 66th Streets, in front of the American Museum of Folk Art. “Are you hurt?” a young woman asked, kneeling over her. “Yes,” the older woman said. “I think I’ve broken my wrist.” She was grimacing and rocking with pain.” I called 911. The two guys from the giving machine ran over. The 911 dispatcher told us to immobilize the arm, preferably splint it. One of the guys ran to the giving machines and took out a thick cardboard donor card, removed his shoelace and splinted the wrist with it. “I’m an Eagle Scout,” he said. We heard the high-low, high-low of the Mt. Sinai ambulance — not too loud! — within 10 minutes. They scooped the lady up and she was gone, destined to spend the holidays in a cast. But everything and everyone worked so well! Her parting words were, “You’ve all been wonderful.”
Kudos to the Eagle Scout for always being prepared. 🙂 Just dropping a plug for these machines. They include the ability to donate anything from school supplies or a gallon of milk through local NYC partners, to a chicken or a polio vaccine to those in need in faraway lands. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints partners with reputable local and worldwide charities (such as UNICEF), and covers all of the administrative expenses, so that every penny donated goes directly to the purchases. It’s a great way to give for the holidays, and enroll the entire family into giving decisions. Also, it’s fun! Here’s a Forbes article on it: https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisstrub/2019/12/03/givingmachines/#14df21cd1adb
Amazing how caring they were. And you were there!
The name of the church is incorrect in the article. The correct name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Colloquially known as the “Mormons” in the past.)
Thanks. Fixed.
You are not required to use the wordy “new” name the Mormon church adopted for itself recently, despite their efforts to get journalists to cooperate. Feel free to keep calling them Mormons, I say.
I absolutely love this story. Maybe the WSR could have a “Good News” or “People Doing Good Things” button so when someone feels that they need to read something good about the world, they could just click to a story like this.
I am interested in hearing about the “dollar cost” of these machines. That is, how much of the gift made in these “machines” goes to the organization listed? Given that the Church itself is a NFP, do they take a portion of the gifts made?
As i understand it The church covers all administration costs and the donation is 100%.
I’l try find the reference
Michael — according to https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world/giving-machines —“100 percent of your donation will be used either for the purchased item, similar items, or services of greater need as determined by the applicable charitable organization. To ensure this, administrative costs for this campaign and costs associated with its nonprofit partners are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Next the Church is installing Wrist Cast Vending Machines.
The blond guy looks like he’s straight out of the Book of Mormon cast!
Nice article. The Mormons get a lot of flak and still face discrimination. Their religion may seem “weird” to some but let’s face it, all religions are if you look at them objectively. Being raise Catholic I can attest to that! I will definitely stop by this machine and make a donation.
Love this story!
Incredible story. Classic NY. Next step for the Mormon church: stop being so anti-LGBT. You can’t ethically justify the threats you make to your youth who come out.
We are not, the church has also donated money to help LQBT, but what we are doing is protecting our beliefs just like LGBT members are looking to protect theirs. I think we can all coexist if we respect each other’s beliefs. I respect people that choose differently but why should I modify what my religious beliefs are for them?
I think we should all have the right to choose as we please without affecting others. I would never belittle or treat someone badly just because they are gay. I know for a fact there are many in the church that fight for their right and donate money to help with their safety. So I find it a bit harsh that a the church has to change their strong beliefs just because you don’t know the whole story or take into consideration the ones that are doing what is not right, because you know we find that everywhere and not only The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints.