As the holiday season approaches, something special happens in Southern Nevada. Amid the twinkling lights and festive décor, a familiar red box quietly reappears, inviting us to pause, reflect and give. But this is not your ordinary vending machine—there are no snacks or sodas here. These are Giving Machines, where every purchase transforms into an act of kindness, impacting lives both near and far.
Since 2019, these bright installations have become a cherished part of the holiday landscape in Southern Nevada. You can find them at Downtown Summerlin and The District at Green Valley, quietly standing by, ready to turn a simple tap into a gesture of generosity. Whether it is buying a warm meal for a family nearby, helping a child with school supplies or sending a goat to a family across the world, the Giving Machines offer a modern way to make a difference in someone’s life.
What makes the Giving Machines even more remarkable is not just the money raised—though Southern Nevada’s machines consistently rank among the top in the nation, pulling in nearly $700,000 in 2023 alone. It is the spirit of giving at the very core of their purpose. Over the past five years, they have generated more than $2.8 million, with nearly $1.7 million staying right here in our community. That translates to meals for seniors, cribs for newborns and hope for families who need it most. The Giving Machines are not just about donations—they are about real, tangible impact, with every dollar going directly to those in need.
And the beauty of it all? You do not have to be a big spender to make a difference. Every purchase is a ripple in a larger wave of kindness. One donor buys 300 meals for local families; another helps a child go to school with new books. These small, anonymous acts of generosity are what make the season brighter for everyone.
For many families, the Giving Machines have become a holiday tradition, a way to teach their children the true meaning of the season. Picture this: grandparents bringing their grandchildren to select gifts not for themselves but for people they will never meet. High school students pooling their hard-earned money to buy medical supplies or meals for strangers. These moments remind us what the holidays are really about—compassion, connection and community.
But the impact does not stop at our city limits. Southern Nevada’s generosity knows no borders. In 2023, over $300,000 from the Giving Machines went to global causes, providing goats, chickens and life-saving medicine to families thousands of miles away. It is remarkable to think that, with the push of a button, you can help feed a family in another part of the world, offering them hope and maybe even a chance for a better life.
More than just a clever holiday idea, the Giving Machines are a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together. They remind us that the holiday season is less about what we receive and more about what we give. It is not about grand gestures, but simple, thoughtful acts that brighten someone else’s day. So, this year, as you navigate the hustle and bustle of the season, take a moment to stop by. Whether it is your first time or a cherished family tradition, you will be part of something bigger than any one of us and reflective of the best in all of us.
In the end, it is not about exchanging gifts; it is about sharing joy, hope and kindness. And, in my opinion, there is no better way to do that than through these little red boxes that hold so much more than meets the eye.