by Amber Wyatt
Some of the Giving Machine’s offers. Photograph by #LightTheWorld
A unique holiday tradition is returning to Cherry Creek North this November, offering Denver residents and visitors a memorable way to give back while enjoying the holiday season. The famous Giving Machines are set to open November 19, bringing a creative, interactive approach to charitable giving to the heart of one of Denver’s most popular holiday destinations.
Located at the entrance to the Cherry Creek Holiday Market on 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Plaza, the colorful, vending-machine-style displays will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving shoppers and passersby an opportunity to make a difference at any time.
Unlike traditional vending machines that dispense snacks or drinks, the Giving Machines allow visitors to purchase meaningful items for people and communities in need. Options may include warm meals, blankets, livestock, and other essential resources, with donations supporting participating local and global charitable organizations.
Popular Giving Machine location at 105 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206. Photograph by #LightTheWorld
The concept is simple: Choose an item displayed on the machine, make a payment and help provide that resource through a participating nonprofit. Rather than taking a physical product home, donors contribute toward providing the selected item to someone who needs it.
It is a straightforward way to turn an everyday holiday outing into an opportunity for generosity.
A Different Kind Of Holiday Shopping
Donor makes a donation to one of the offerings at the Giving Machine. Photograph by #LightTheWorld
The Giving Machines offer a visual and interactive experience that stands out among the seasonal decorations, storefronts, and festivities throughout C
herry Creek North. Their placement at the entrance to the Cherry Creek Holiday Market makes them a natural stop for visitors browsing holiday vendors, searching for gifts, or simply enjoying the neighborhood’s seasonal atmosphere.
For families, the machines can also provide a hands-on way to introduce children to charitable giving. Instead of donating money without seeing how it might help, visitors can select a specific need and connect their contribution to a tangible resource.
A warm meal can help someone facing food insecurity. A blanket can provide comfort during cold weather. Livestock can help support livelihoods and food security in communities where animals provide a source of income, nutrition, or agricultural support.
Each selection offers a reminder that even a small act of generosity can contribute to a larger effort to improve lives and visual aids on each option help children easily understand their impact.
The machines also offer a convenient option for people who want to support charitable organizations but may not have time to research individual causes or arrange donations themselves. With the displays available around the clock, visitors can stop by whenever it fits their schedule.
Giving Locally And Globally
The Giving Machines initiative is known for connecting donors with participating nonprofit organizations that address a variety of humanitarian needs. Depending on the participating charities and available selections, contributions can support assistance ranging from basic necessities to longer-term community development.
The initiative provides an alternative to traditional gift-giving, encouraging people to direct some of their holiday spending toward the
community. Visitors can choose a donation that benefits a family, individual, or neighborhood in addition to gifts purchased for their own. Those interested in participating should review the available selections and charitable organizations at the machines to learn which causes their contributions support.
As the holiday season approaches, the return of the Giving Machines adds another opportunity for the Cherry Creek community to embrace the spirit of generosity. Their prominent location makes charitable giving accessible to residents, tourists and holiday shoppers alike.
The Giving Machines are schedu
Denver Nugget’s Rocky attends Giving Machines opening in 2019. Photograph by #LightTheWorld
led to open November 19, 2026, at the entrance to the Cherry Creek Holiday Market on 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Plaza. Operating 24/7, they invite visitors to stop by, select a meaningful contribution, and help make the holidays brighter for someone else.
This season, consider adding a different kind of purchase to your holiday list: one that gives to your city, to your country, or your planet.
