ARLINGTON, Va. — The season of giving is upon us. Some average-looking vending machines are making it quick and easy to make a big difference.
The big red Giving Machines allow you to pull out your credit card, and instead of selecting a soda or a bag of pretzels, you can change someone's life.
"This vends joy. Literally," said Lisa Bartolomei. "You can buy any of these things from toys and games to medical supplies, bedding, textbooks. Even chickens or a goat."
One machine is located in Arlington and more Giving Machines are coming to the Mall in Columbia on Dec. 6. They will be there through Dec. 17, when they then travel to Richmond.
Those unable to visit a physical machine can give to the Global Charities here.
Depending on your selection, your donation can help someone across town, or halfway around the world.
The Giving Machine is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in partnership with trusted nonprofits like the Red Cross. The church says the groups are carefully vetted to make sure 100% of your donation goes right where it's intended.
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