11:30 AM | Downtown Bentonville
The Giving Machine has officially arrived in Northwest Arkansas! Located in the Bentonville Square, come experience the Giving Machine from December 5th through December 16th. These innovative machines offer a unique way to support five local nonprofit organizations and two global partners, all while spreading the spirit of giving.
Despite the freezing temperatures, the atmosphere was warm with joy and camaraderie. Music filled the air, courtesy of Garth Smith and A Sacred Christmas Choir. However, the true stars of the event were the Giving Machines themselves, beautifully wrapped in vibrant cardinal-red paper.
Coming together to celebrate this debut, Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, and other esteemed guests all spoke to mark the first Giving Machine debut in Bentonville, and Arkansas. The celebration began with MC Paul Van Slooten, who shared the history of the Giving Machines and the Light the World Project, which has been spreading kindness since its inception in 2017.
Representatives from each featured nonprofit organization took the stage to express their gratitude and give a brief overview of the impactful items available for “purchase” through the Giving Machines. These organizations include the following.
Locally Featured Organizations
Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter – A private, non-profit organization that provides a safe place of healing for children throughout Arkansas who are victims of abandonment, abuse, neglect, and trafficking.
Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter – Providing a safe place for survivors of domestic violence to begin their journey toward hope and healing through a series of services
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank – Distributing food to those who are food insecure in our community in Northwest Arkansas.
Samaritan Community Center – A nonprofit serving the hurting and hungry of Northwest Arkansas with dignity and compassion.
Canopy Northwest Arkansas – Arkansas’s refugee resettlement agency meeting the basic needs of our new neighbors, and equipping them with the tools to thrive in the Northwest Arkansas community.
Globally Featured Organizations
Water Aid – An interdenominational, international non-governmental organization, focused on water accessibility, hygiene, and sanitation.
Church World Service – A faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster.
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Want to support refugee resettlement in NW Arkansas, but not able to make your way to Downtown Bentonville?
I learned of your organization because of the passing of Brian Clark. His brother is a dear friend of our family and we were honored to be able to make a donation to your organization in Brian’s name.
I am on your email list and wanted to share how much the work you are doing means to me. We live in a time of lies and misinformation, where I think our fellow citizens have lost their way and have forgotten how to care for others. I think many people have forgotten what it means to struggle and how blessed we are to live in this country.
Please keep up the good work. I also support our local organizations who are working to assist those seeking refuge here in Birmingham. If we all do our part we can make great things happen. Happy Holidays. Thank you again for what you do.