'Giving Machines' At Tulsa's Gathering Place Allows For Donations To Local, Global Charities

A trio of vending machines that work in reverse are helping those in need this holiday season.

The bright red "Giving Machines" are set up just outside Williams Lodge at Gathering Place, their home for the next two weeks.

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum helped welcome the vessels for charity to the city.

"We are going into a season, where you are in America's most generous city, and people want to know how they can help their neighbors," Mayor Bynum said.

Giving Machines were created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2017. These are the first three in Oklahoma.

With a push of a button and a swipe of a card, it is easier than ever to give.

"Instead of putting money in to buy a pop or some chips you get the chance to think about, as you look through the vending machine, those who are in need," said Stephen Southward with the church.

The machines have cards inside with the names and items needed to help support five local and two global charities.

The organizations include: Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa Dream Center, Emergency Infant Services, Broken Arrow Neighbors, Fostering Hope of Muskogee, Church World Service, and WaterAid.

"We have bottles that are in the Giving Machine, and we have layettes that we give out to new and expecting mothers," said Channing Harris with Emergency Infant Services.

The other charities meet needs like putting gas in someone's car, providing a family with a holiday meal, or funding a child's summer of sports.

Southward said the church covers any administrative costs, so users know where their dollars are going. "100% of any donation that is given will go to those organizations that have been selected in the machine," he said.

It gives each person who uses the machines a choice on what kind of impact they will have.

"We do not have to be the one that feeds the 5,000," Southward said, "Maybe we can provide just a little bit of fish or a little bit of bread, and in the light of the world, Jesus Christ can do the rest."

The Giving Machines will be at Gathering Place until Dec. 2nd.

Donors can also contribute online at Church of Jesus Christ Giving Machines.