Seasonal & Holidays

Charity Vending Machine Installed On Upper West Side

Users can make donations to a number of national and local nonprofits at the vending machine located near Lincoln Center.

Upper West Siders can make donations at the Giving Machine installed in the neighborhood.
Upper West Siders can make donations at the Giving Machine installed in the neighborhood. (Courtesy Light the World)

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The Upper West Side's newest vending machine doesn't dispense snacks or sugary drinks, but a sense of goodwill.

A Giving Machine was installed Tuesday in front of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Columbus Avenue and West 65th Street. The machine allows users to make donations to various local and international nonprofits such as UNICEF, WaterAid, Catholic Charities and the West Side Campaign Against Hunter.

The Upper West Side machine is one of ten that were installed on this year's Giving Tuesday in cities throughout the United States. Last year, users donated $2.3 million to charity by using the machines.

Find out what's happening in Upper West Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"We at West Side Campaign Against Hunger couldn’t be happier with this unique opportunity for New Yorkers to make simple, easy, healthy contributions to fighting hunger in our community," Greg Silverman of the West Side Campaign Against Hunger said in a statement.

The Giving Machine began accepting donations on Monday night during the annual Winter's Eve festival on the Upper West side. An unveiling ceremony was held on Tuesday with representatives from participating nonprofits.

Find out what's happening in Upper West Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Machines are operated by the Church of the Latter Day Saints through its Light the World charitable campaign, but 100% of the donations made at the vending machines are given to the nonprofit partners.

Check out the machines in action below:

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