Giving Machines 2021 Wrap Up
Denver’s Generosity Shines Through Giving Machines Donations
Thousands to receive coats, blankets, meals, chickens
DENVER – Denver ranked tops among the 10 locations across the U.S. with the highest average donation during this year’s Light the World Giving Machines campaign. An estimated 14,000 individuals visited the machines, which were located at Writer Square, from November 22, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
“Everyone here knows how giving the Denver community can be and that was clear once again during this giving season,” said Elder Frederick K. Balli of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We are looking forward to the impact all these donations will have in our community over the next year.”
The seasonal event finished with more than 17,000 items purchased with an average gift of more than $85. In total, Denver’s Giving Machines raised $475,786 for the benefitting charities. The top items gifted include 1,896 pairs of chickens, 1,846 warm blankets and 1,408 art supply kits. Other top items purchased included 865 winter coats, 770 diapers for a week and 523 haircuts. There were 30 items to choose from in each of the vending machines, which were open 24 hours a day, 7-days-a-week.
In addition to the items purchased through the Giving Machines, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints made a large donation to each of the charities that included three trucks of food and $10,000 cash to support food pantries and local programming. The Church also covered all costs associated with the Giving Machines, including credit card fees, ensuring the charities receive 100% of the donations made.
“The community of Denver will have a real impact on the homeless, refugees, underserved families and individuals through all their generosity,” said Elder Balli. “We can’t wait for this tradition to continue in 2022.”
There were four local and two global charities who will benefit from the Giving Machines donations. They included: The Crowley Foundation, Denver Rescue Mission, JFS, Project Worthmore, CARE and UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency.
Besides Denver, the Giving Machines are also located in Honolulu, Las Vegas, Nashville, New York City, Oakland, Orem, Kansas City and Salt Lake City.
For more information, go to www.givingmachinesdenver.com.
Besides the tangible help given to our neighbors in need, Giving Machines also brought people together, with nearly 80 performances at Writer Square! There were special charity events, appearances by sports mascots, visits from the Mayors of Denver and Aurora, a DJ, nine school choirs or bands, and many, many performers from local congregations.
A big shout out to Denver local and regional media who covered this important project. Stories were published and broadcasted by local Fox, CBS, and ABC affiliates. The Giving machines were also covered by YourHub, Mile High Magazine, KOSI 101.1, Commerce City Sentinel Express, Loveland Reporter-Herald, and KOA 94.1.
Until next year Colorado!