While checking off holiday shopping lists, customers at the Mall in Columbia can get into the giving spirit by visiting a “vending machine with a heart,” giving back to communities through donations.

For the second year, the Light the World Giving Machine will have a 13-day stop in Maryland until Wednesday. The machines, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allow individuals to select items to be donated through a nonprofit organization.

“Our wish is that it will inspire everyone to carry a spirit of community and love and service into our neighborhood to help light the world this holiday season and all year round,” Wendy King, communications director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the Howard County area, said at a Friday ribbon cutting ceremony for the machines.

The Light the World Giving Machines began in 2017, catching the attention of Cari Larkins, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints communication director for the Maryland region and Giving Machine Committee chair. She was drawn to the fun concept and quick and easy way to give back, seeking to bring it to the Columbia area knowing that people would likely donate, she said.

“So it feels like a small thing on your part, but it really does actually have potential to make a difference,” Larkins said. “When you see like underwear and toilet paper, that’s humbling, because there are people who need those products and we normally don’t have to think about it, but it’s in there because it’s a need.”

In Columbia, donors can choose from 30 items in the vending machine, ranging from utility bills to groceries or cleaning supplies. The money collected will go to the respective nonprofits to donate the items and continue their work. The items are listed on cards with the associated nonprofit’s name in the slots like a regular vending machine. Instead, after the transaction, the card drops, but the donor can’t retrieve it.

“Where else can you buy a hot meal out of a vendmachine or provide a bed bigger than a vending machine… through a vending machine?” King said. “Perhaps you’d like to promote digital equity by funding internet access for a family. You can purchase school supplies, hygiene items, or even a goat through these unique vending machines.”

The five local nonprofits — the Digital Harbor Foundation, Bridges to Housing Stability, Bright Minds Foundation, Franciscan Center and Grassroots Crisis Intervention — are “the heroes of the machine,” King said, as they work year-round to serve individuals in the area. Global organizations Days for Girls International and Mentors International also are represented in the Columbia machines.

Jennifer Van Kirk, executive director of the Bright Minds Foundation, told the Howard County Times the organization was disappointed it didn’t participate in the machine last year, so it was vigilant about applying this year. The organization works with the Howard County Public School System and has donation cards in the machines for socks, college textbooks, children’s books student shelter and school supplies.

“We’re always looking for interesting ways to engage in our community and to raise awareness of Bright Minds and our work in the community,” Van Kirk said. “And so, this for us was such an interesting and creative way to be able to engage and see how people might become interested in this sort of activity.”

Representatives from the nonprofits were joined by county officials and Light the World Giving Machine volunteers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball reflected on the season, saying that too many are struggling, but those who need help can get it when everyone comes together in “lighting the world through gift.”

“I know sometimes we focus too much on the commercialization of the holiday season, and that can be fun, but the season is about giving. It’s about love. It’s about compassion. It’s about making sure that our fellow neighbors are seen, are heard and loved,” Ball said.

Last year Marylanders donated 146 pieces of clothing, 2,400 meals and almost 500 chickens, according to King. It was “really fun” watching people make donations, Larkins said. Total donations from the Columbia location last year came to just under $50,000.

While some bigger cities will have the vending machines for six weeks, in Columbia, the vending machines will be in the center court of the mall until Dec. 18. According to King, there will be contests, performances and guests as well as family nights on Dec. 9 and 16.

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