The following is excerpted from the Church News. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

People love to give chickens. They are one of the most popular items purchased so far at the Giving Machines in 2021.

When Giving Machines had opened by the end of November in 10 U.S. cities, local officials and Church leaders in those locations encouraged people to use the annual effort to buy items for people in need through participating charities.

An estimated 265,000 people have purchased items so far. Donations are at $3.7 million as of Tuesday, Dec. 21, according to Newsroom.

Here are some of the items purchased in the last few weeks: 

  • Chickens — 52,000
  • Beehives — 2,500
  • Goats — 3,600
  • Meals for individuals or families — 992,000
  • Polio vaccines and other immunizations for children — 529,000
  • Acre of sweet potatoes — 300
  • Essential clothing and shoes for individuals — 13,000
  • Shelter and beds — 4,900
  • Personal care/hygiene kits — 15,000
  • Educational (tutoring, tuition, materials and job skill training) — 16,000
  • Water pumps — 1,800
  • Install a well — 800
  • Rainwater storage tanks — 1,600
  • Healthcare, eyecare, dental and counseling services — 6,700
  • Boxes of produce — 9,000

“Who doesn’t love giving chickens away?” said Carter Wirig, a high school student in Henderson, Nevada, who raised money in a school fundraiser to use at the Giving Machine in Las Vegas. “I’m so grateful my school gave me the opportunity to visit the Giving Machine this year. I had a lot of fun serving with my friends.“

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.