Technology has gotten a pretty bad rep lately, and it’s easy to see why. Fortunately, technology also provides new avenues for connection, which can lead to so much more, especially around the holiday season. Now in its seventh year, Downtown Summerlin’s Giving Machine combines the wonders of technology with community outreach, giving residents and visitors a seamless way to give back.
Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter Speaks on the Power of Giving Back
The event’s special guest explained it best. Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys moved to Las Vegas in 2017 after the group’s first residency on the Strip, and he’s now one of the city’s most notable residents. “This is technology. This is a way for us to learn with each other, give back and find a way. I think one of the hardest things for me, after so many years in this industry, is figuring out where I can go. How can I learn? Where can I go to actually give back? There’s a lot of beautiful charities all over the world, but where can I go to one place? And it’s right here… And I want to learn. I want to learn about this machine. I want you guys to learn through it as well. We have so much to give back and to learn from.”
What is the Giving Machine? History and Impact in Las Vegas
The Giving Machine debuted in Salt Lake City in 2017 at Temple Square in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Las Vegas debuted its first machine in 2017, making it one of the first ten machines in the world. Last year alone, Southern Nevadans donated about $600,000, and the local machines are two of 126 in the country, with more set to debut.
The purpose of Giving Machines is simple—make it easy for people to donate what they can and ensure their donations go exactly where they’re meant to go—no middleman, no commissions, just donations benefiting charitable foundations of all kinds.
Participating Local and Global Charities
This year’s Giving Machine in Downtown Summerlin is filled with items for foundations including Catholic Charities, Foster Kinship, Future Smiles, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, and Three Square. The District at Green Valley Ranch has items to benefit Baby’s Bounty, Eye Care 4 Kids, The Just One Project, The Salvation Army, and Tyler Robinson Foundation. Both local machines offer support to international charities like African Hope for Girls, Lifting Hands International, and Clubfoot Solutions.
How to Donate (Including the Las Vegas “777” High Roller Option)
The process is simple—it’s a vending machine filled with items to donate. You select an item, swipe your card, and make a donation that will directly benefit the life of someone in need. There’s no form to fill out, no questions to answer, just swipe and donate. Items typically vary in price from as little as $5 to around $125. And because it’s Las Vegas, there is a high roller option—enter 777, and you can purchase one of everything in the machine (this totals around $1,500 at Downtown Summerlin and around $1,800 at The District at Green Valley Ranch).
Nick Carter’s Inaugural Donation and Reflections on Family
The crowd cheered as the inaugural donation of the season was made by Nick Carter. His donation will be a big one to live up to as he chose one of everything in the machine. “I think what’s beautiful about this is this is actually something tangible. This is something that you can come, and you can see it,” Nick told audiences as he peered at the items in the machine. “I mean, it’s beautiful. You’re giving money. You’re allowing people, and you’re teaching. Giving is free in the heart. I can bring my children here, and they can see this. Giving is important. Giving back, you have to, especially when you have a lot of blessings in your life.” Carter even joked that if he couldn’t give it all, he’d buy the machine.
Why Tangible Giving Matters During the Holidays
Convenience is one of the biggest benefits, and this is not lost on Carter. “A lot of people want to give back,” Carter told me. “And when they’re at home or online, they’re trying to figure out where to go, how to give back, where to give back. I think this is something that, if you’re walking around, maybe you’re shopping, you could be passing by and be like, what is that? I think that’s what’s really cool about this. It’s something you can see and you can touch, and if you feel the need, if you want to give back, you scan that card, and you can take that home with you in your heart. And I think that’s what’s great about it.”
*Quotes edited for length and clarity by Jetsettin Daisy
