A new way to give back to the community has arrived at Woodland Mall in Kentwood, making charitable donations as simple as buying a snack.
The Giving Machine, brought by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allows shoppers to donate to five local nonprofits with the click of a button.
Instead of dispensing chips or candy, this reverse vending machine drops charitable gifts into a collection bin after donors swipe their credit cards.
“I think, when many of us are naturally turned inward, and we want to encourage others to turn out where we find the most joy and peace by helping others,” said Neal Buckwalter, President of the Grand Rapids Michigan Stake for the Church…