The cost of the items ranged from less than $25 to almost $100. When you 'buy' something the cardboard sign falls down to the floor of the machine, and at the end of the day a volunteer tallies up everything so it can be donated to the organization. The Church covers the machine costs (and even the credit card processing fee, if necessary), so 100% of funds go to the nonprofits.
I usually don't bring my purse into the mall when I'm walking. Last year Tony and I talked about making a donation, but never took action. This year I was determined not to let that happen. Today I carried my charge card in my jacket pocket and headed straight toward the vending machines.There were volunteers to help people through the process, but the whole thing was pretty intuitive. After looking over the items I made my choice, keyed in the number on the machine keypad, then scanned my credit card. The key pad asked me if I would also like to cover the credit card processing fee, and then asked if I would like my receipt via a QR code, text, or email.
When I was all done I had the option to have a photo taken in front of a backdrop. I did, but the result was not share-worthy. Probably just as well.Five years ago: The Numbers Don't Lie
What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteGood idea! -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteInteresting -- I've never heard or seen of these charitable vending machines before.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't either before they just showed up.
DeleteWhat a fantastic creation. Well done.
ReplyDelete"I usually don't bring my purse into the mall when I'm walking."
ReplyDeleteBut you do have your drivers license and medical card with you at all times, right?! You don't want to be a unconscious Jane Doe in the hospital.
I never go without my phone (and usually Tony :-)
DeleteWonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of Angel Trees but not until this year. I never saw one of these machines. Neat all the different ways to help out.
ReplyDeleteIt's a new era for sure.
DeletePretty cool. Although there's so much stoooooopid drama around Angel Trees and I feel like, some of the dramamamas forget, it's about the kids.
DeleteWhat a great idea, and timely since a lot of people are struggling economically. 35,000 veterans administration essential healthcare jobs cut this month, in addition to the thousands that DOGE took a hatchet to early in the year. I'm not sure what will happen to vulnerable populations at this rate...shameful.
ReplyDelete*Sigh*
DeleteExcellent idea.
ReplyDeleteI have this amazing little case I carry when I don't want a purse, like when I walk or when I would go to Columbia to read to the kids. It holds my driver's license, a credit card, AAA card, and my cell phone fits on the backside pocket. I have a very small cell phone, cannot bring myself to get one of those huge ones everyone carries in their backpacked! You used your resources well on this outing.
ReplyDeleteHow strange that the previous message did not have my signature, I know I signed on as I always do. The gremlins of the internet are playing games!
DeleteAlso, it's a phone that people carry in their back POCKET, so large that it sticks out above the pocket top. I cannot imagine carrying something that large.
I have a small over the shoulder purse that sounds similar to yours, but I think it's a hassle to move things back and forth. One of these days I will figure out how to do without most of the cards in my wallet and move to something smaller.
DeleteWhat a great idea. I think this is much easier than the Angel Tree's that we have here.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly takes the guesswork out of it.
DeleteI've never heard of this, but I think it's genius.
ReplyDeleteI would have been leery if they hadn't chosen well-known charities.
DeleteWhat a wonderful thing this is. I've not heard of them but what a wonderful way to bless others..
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It is the season of giving. :-)
ReplyDelete