SANDPOINT — They look like an ordinary vending machine, but offer something much more special in exchange.

Instead of candy, junk food and sodas, the “Giving Machine” allows users to donate essential items to local and international charities with just a swipe of their credit card. From a dozen meals to a local homeless shelter to gifting a pair of chickens to a family half the world away to buying textbooks for an underprivileged school, the gifts are priceless to the recipients.

According to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, users can purchase multiple items, if they wish, for people in need with one swipe of a credit card. Items range in price from $2 to $320 and will be supplied through partner charities such as UNICEF, Church World Service, WaterAid, Water For People and International Medical Corps.

Right now, there are only 10 of the machines in existence, including one unveiled recently in Denver, Colo., according to a story posted to goodnewsnetwork.org. Among the other locations of the Giving Machines are Hawaii, Salt Lake City, London and the Phillippines.

An effort by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the special vending machines are part of a project to expand the church’s efforts to #LightTheWorld by encouraging people to perform instant acts of service that make a difference in others’ lives, according to a press release on the church’s website.

“This year we will be adding new locations for our Giving Machines,” said Elder Brent H. Nielson, General Authority Seventy for the church. “This unique way to give not only blesses the life of the giver, but also lifts the receiver in locations all around the world. Our hope is to offer opportunities to Light the World one by one.”

“These Giving Machines are an example of the big things that can happen when many people give just a little,” added Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president. “That is what it means to Light the World one by one — when we each give what we can offer, our little light adds to a brightness of hope.”

This is the third year for the project, which raised more than $2.3 million in 2018 for local and global charities. Total donations for 2019 will be continuously updated throughout the season and will be available on the Light the World website.

While an amazing idea and a great way to remind us all of the true meaning of the holidays, we don’t need to go to Denver or Salt Lake City or London, we can do the same thing right here at home through the Sandpoint Lions Club. Your donations ensure that all children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District have a merry Christmas — to know that they are loved and that their community is there for them in all ways.

The Toys for Tots campaign now has a total of $9,149.13, with $1,203.48 being tallied today.

Generous donations were received from:

Millie Rinker, $25; Elizabeth Fulling, $20; Jack and Shirley Parker, $200; Del and Norma Pierce, $200; Garry and Susan Bristow (in memory of Katherine Ricco), $25; and from coin jars — Tam O Shanter, $10.75; Second Avenue Pizza, $31; Hoot Owl, $55.59; Travel America, $121; Yoke’s, $10.37; Burger Express, $8.03; Co-Op , $7.54; Babes 1 Stop, $80; Samuels Conoco , $58.71; Arby’s, $28.85; and Dairy Depot, $41.64.

In addition, UPS had a fantastic “Fill The Truck” event at Walmart with a truck full of toys and $280 in donations.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses. The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. A Christmas dinner for the family is also provided.

If you know someone, or need help yourself, the Lions are taking applications for the 2018 Toys for Tots program. Members are at the Lions Den, 609 S. Ella Street in Sandpoint, on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, until Monday, Dec. 16 Applications are also available until that date at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office, 207 Larkspur St., Ponderay.

Donations for Toys for Tots can be dropped off at the front desk at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.

Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Donations made by check are preferred. Be sure to include a note with your check indicating that it is a Toys for Tots donation. If you wish to make an anonymous donation, please include a note.

If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.