Catholic Social Services (CSS) and six other local and national agencies are making it as easy to make a charitable donation as it is to buy a soft drink from a vending machine this holiday season.
For the first time, Columbus has been chosen as a host city for Light the World “giving machines.” As part of the annual #LightTheWorld campaign, visitors to Polaris Fashion Place Mall will be able to provide an instant act of service by making donations at the machines.
With a simple tap of a card, individuals can purchase items including meals, shelter, clothing, health care, education and livestock for needy neighbors and for individuals in developing countries, with 100 percent of all donations going directly to the selected charity.
The machines will be at Polaris Fashion Place from Friday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Dec. 7. They made their debut in 2017 and have raised more than $32 million since then. The initiative continues to expand each year, with approximately 600,000 people visiting the machines last year. They will be available this year in more than 100 cities in the United States and around the world.
Besides CSS, participating agencies include Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, the Center for Healthy Families, the Reeb Center, Lifting Hand International and the World Food Programme.
CSS has been a source of compassion, dignity, and hope for those Christ calls us to serve throughout the community. Serving more than 10,000 individuals annually, CSS is supported in its mission by dedicated volunteers who help senior citizens find connection, guide families toward a brighter future and assist young adults in transitioning to the workforce.