City Cast Denver logo

Denver's 'Donation Vending Machines' Are Back for the Holiday Season

Posted on December 3, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Peyton Garcia

Peyton Garcia

people check out the giving machines at cherry creek north

This year’s Light the World Giving Machines are located in Cherry Creek North. (Giving Machines Denver)

Every year, Coloradans come together to uplift the community and causes they care about on Colorado Gives Day. Since 2010, donors have raised more than $469 million for over 4,000 nonprofit organizations in the name of the tradition. So in the spirit of localism, I’m recommending everyone check out the Denver Giving Machines.

What Are They?

Basically, donation vending machines! The idea behind them was to create a way to make donating to your community as quick and easy as buying a snack from a vending machine.

How Does It Work?

All you have to do is browse the donation options — which are displayed on cards and range from bags of groceries, warm clothes, and hygiene products to job certification courses and bus passes — make your selection, and swipe a credit card. Donation amounts vary from $5 to $250.

Where and When Can I Go?

This year, the Giving Machines are located in Cherry Creek North at the entrance to the holiday market at Second Avenue and Fillmore Street. They’re open 24/7 now through January 5!

More Donation Deets:

The Giving Machine donations will benefit five local charities. A full 100% of your donation goes directly to the charities. Machine costs are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Donations are also eligible for tax deductions and employer matching programs.

Psst! Need more ideas? We recently rounded up an extensive list of local organizations supporting vulnerable communities in the Denver metro. Check out how to get involved!

see more:shopping

Share article

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Denver

Sponsored

Best Online Casinos for Real Money You Can Trust Today

Find the best online casinos for real money with fast payouts, big bonuses, and top games. Compare sites and start playing now.

UpVenture Logo
Denver Life HacksSeptember 28

How to Navigate Denver's First PorchFest

Denver’s first PorchFest is bringing 193 acts to Baker on Oct. 3, turning porches, backyards, parking lots into stages from noon to 7 p.m...

Musicians perform for a crowd at a neighborhood PorchFest.
Keep It LocalSeptember 24

Where to Find All the Pumpkin Home Goods

It's pumpkin season! Here are the best places in Denver to grab your next pumpkin-flavored and pumpkin-designed fall goods.

White cake inside a box with orange writing that says “Hello Fall!” and red and yellow flowers with green leaves made from icing.
Keep It LocalSeptember 24

Where to Buy Actual Pumpkins

The only thing better than buying all the pumpkin-themed things? Buying actual pumpkins. Here's a quick and easy guide to shopping for yo...

A pile of pumpkins sits on hay bales in orange, beige, and green heirloom varieties with a blue sky in the background.
Keep It LocalSeptember 17

Where to Work Remotely in Denver

Grab a latte and a pastry at Little Owl Coffee in the hotel’s lobby, then head up the winding stairs to the cozy seating area with couche...

The airy upper-floor space at the Populus Hotel in Denver with a wooden floor, an exposed wood-beam ceiling, and ergonomically designed gray chairs and brown couches. A winding staircase is to the left. 🍃 Populu
Keep It LocalSeptember 17

Skip The Usual: Try These Local Remote Work Gems

The Bardo Coffee House has a location in Wheat Ridge with the same work-and-study energy, albeit with more seating options and a greater...

Brown leather couch with marble table in front of it at Bardo Coffee House in Denver. A bookshelf is to the left. The window facing the street is in the background.
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

The Best Denver Businesses for Music Lovers

Whether you want to learn an instrument, gift lessons to a loved one, or rent equipment for a gig, these Denver shops will nurture your m...

Inside a music shop with six guitars and memorabilia on the walls, red and black seating, with a coffee table at center on top of a rug. A window to the left filters light into the room.
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Why Denverites Love Swallow Hill Music

Swallow Hill Music is one of the largest music schools for acoustic instruments in the U.S. — but it’s so much more than a place to take...

Outdoor performers under a white tent perform on stage while concertgoers sit on green grass listening. A brick building is behind the concertgoers to the left, and string lights run parallel to the crowd and stage.