RICHLAND, Wash. – A unique holiday experience has made its way to the Tri-Cities, offering a new way to give back. Located at Fairchild Cinemas in Richland, a Giving Machine allows people to donate directly to local and global charities with just a swipe of a card.
The Giving Machine resembles a typical vending machine but instead of snacks, it dispenses generosity. Cards representing real items donated to those in need drop down when a card is swiped. This pop-up is designed to make charity feel hands-on and personal.
Organizers have worked for years to bring a Giving Machine to the Tri-Cities. After many applications, the region was finally chosen, giving the community a chance to support local and global causes.
Andrea McMakin from Grace Clinic shared her thoughts on the impact this initiative can have in the Tri-Cities. “There are so many needs in the Tri-Cities—some you see, some you don’t. I think this is going to help the whole Tri-Cities meet a lot of needs over the Christmas that we have not been able to do before and it’s a really easy way to do it,” said McMakin.
The machine offers a range of donation options, including meals for families, winter clothing for local kids and clean water for developing countries. Amanda Lorraine from Grace Collective expressed her gratitude, saying, “I grew up in a family that was surrounded by extreme poverty and a lot of hard things. So I remember what it was like when I was a little girl, and our community stepped up and provided things that I didn’t have. So thank you, Tri-Cities, for showing up and saying yes to walking alongside all of these amazing organizations.”
This year, five local organizations are featured: Grace Clinic, Grace Collective, Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Safe Harbor’s My Friends Place. Organizers assure that every dollar donated goes directly to these partners with no overhead taken out.
Kristin Hunt, Assistant City Lead for The Giving Machine Tri-Cities, explained the selection process: “A lot of people want to give, but they don’t know where to give or what is most needed. And we have selected these organizations and we have sat with them to figure out what is most needed for their organization. And this is it.”
The Giving Machine will remain open during Fairchild Cinemas’ regular business hours through December 10. Organizers are excited to finally have this opportunity at home, as local nonprofits rely heavily on community support to continue offering essential services.
Avonte Jackson from Grace Clinic highlighted the power of the Giving Machine, stating, “A vending machine can change your life. It can even save a life. We need to give access to people so that they can thrive and have what they need, and not only for themselves, but for their families and their communities. And the giving machine is an opportunity to do that.”
The Giving Machine is free to visit, and whether it’s ten-dollars worth of sports equipment or a larger donation, each card that drops can make a measurable difference.
