'Giving machine' aimed to help families in need during the holiday season

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There is a new kind of vending machine in Austin, but it won't sell you drinks and snacks.

Starting Wednesday, those from the community can buy something for families in need at a "giving machine." Those machines are located at the Hill Country Galleria Mall in Bee Cave, according to a news release from Light the World, which is a global project by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Those looking to help others in need can purchase food, clothing, medicine school supplies for refugee students and more, the release said.

The project has raised more than $33 million since its inception in 2017, the release said. This year, the machines are available in 108 locations around the world until Jan. 1, 2025.

"Maybe you don't have time to go to the store and buy toys to donate, or you don't have time to go and volunteer at a shelter or something like that. It's is really easy just to come over here, have your credit card ready, pick however many items you'd like to donate, then just hit enter and you're done," said Angela Garcia, wife of PGA/LIV golfer Sergio Garcia.

There were local charities that also participated, including Interfaith Action of Texas, Circle of Hope Community Center, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, the Texas Children's Hospital Austin and more, the release said.