FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fresno is kicking off a new way to give back this holiday season with the launch of the city’s first-ever Giving Machine, a bright red vending machine that lets shoppers donate essential items to people in need across the Central Valley.
City leaders, nonprofit partners, and community members gathered at River Park on Friday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce the charitable vending machine, part of a global initiative by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“The Giving Machine is an amazing fundraising concept,” said Zack Darrah, CEO of Poverello House, one of the local nonprofits benefiting from the donations. “Instead of buying something for yourself, you’re buying something for somebody else.”
The machine works like a traditional vending machine, but instead of snacks or drinks, it dispenses donation cards representing items such as meals, warm blankets, clothing, emergency food bags, and even medical care. Each card is tied directly to a nonprofit organization that will distribute the item.
“Everything from meals at Papa Mike’s Café to a warm blanket, things people really need right now because it’s been so cold,” Darrah said. “Getting that support is huge, and we’re so excited to be part of it.”
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer says this is the first time a Giving Machine has been placed in the Central Valley.
“We have never done this in the Central Valley,” he said. “We’re going to show up in Fresno and prove why we are such a giving and loving community.”
The machines are located in the River Park walkway between Victoria’s Secret and White House Black Market. This year, donations will support five local nonprofits, including Poverello House, as well as two global charities. Organizers emphasize that 100% of all donations go directly to the organizations.
Residents can visit River Park throughout the holiday season to participate and help make a difference for families and individuals in need.