Oklahoma City’s beloved holiday tradition is back. Starting Dec. 11 and running through Jan. 1, a row of bright red giving machines will be stationed in Scissortail Park, offering residents a simple way to support five local nonprofits during the season of generosity.
How the machines work
Unlike typical snack or soda dispensers, each machine holds cards that represent concrete needs in the community. Shoppers can choose items priced between $10 and $150, such as a holiday meal for a family, a week of transportation for a survivor of domestic violence, or a day‑long camp experience for a child battling a serious illness.
Nonprofits benefiting this year
The 2026‑2027 round will benefit The Spero Project, Sunbeam Family Services, The Salvation Army, Children’s Health Foundation and Palomar. Organizers say the machines have become a reliable source of funding for programs that directly impact Oklahomans.
“I don’t think we can even understand the impact,” said Suzy Sultemeier, an organizer of the OKC giving machines. “Every card purchased translates into real help for families right here in our city.”
Stories behind the cards
One card funds a holiday meal for a family that would otherwise go without a festive dinner. Another provides a week of safe transportation for a survivor who fled a domestic‑violent home, giving them a fresh start with reliable rides to work, school and medical appointments. A third card covers a day at camp for a child facing a serious illness, offering a brief respite and joyful memories.
Kim Garrett‑Funk, chief visionary officer of Palomar, explained, “When they flee a domestic‑violent home, they usually take nothing but the clothes on their backs, and so this will give them a fresh start.”
Partner organizations and broader reach
The Spero Project plans to use its portion of the donations to assist newly resettled refugees. “We have our sewing‑machine kits, snacks because you can’t learn without snacks, school supplies, as well as English‑learning classes,” said Skyler Taylor, director of partnerships at The Spero Project.
In addition to the five local charities, the machines will also support global partners such as Days for Girls and Church World Services, extending the impact of Oklahoma City generosity beyond state borders.
Community roots
The giving machines are part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints’ Light the World campaign. Last year, more than 10,000 items were purchased, demonstrating strong community participation. Organizers hope the 2026‑2027 season will surpass that milestone, reinforcing the spirit of giving that defines the holidays in OKC.
Visitors to Scissortail Park can stop by the machines at any time during the operating window, learn about the specific needs each card addresses, and make a contribution that directly supports a neighbor in need. The initiative underscores how a simple act—selecting a card—can translate into tangible assistance for families, survivors and children across the city.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in supporting the cause can visit the machines in the park, follow updates on the Light the World campaign’s social channels, or contact the individual nonprofits for volunteer opportunities. The holiday season offers a perfect moment for Oklahomans to demonstrate the generosity that keeps our community strong.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
