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Redevelopment Commission approves temporary Giving Machine license for Christkindl Market
Summary
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission approved a temporary license for a Giving Machine to be placed during the Christkindl Market, to benefit five vetted charities; the commission voted unanimously.
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission on an affirmative roll-call vote approved a temporary license allowing a Giving Machine to be placed at the Christkindl Market for the December season.
The Giving Machine is a vending-style kiosk that lets donors select donated items for specific charities rather than buying goods for themselves. Robert Peterson, who described himself as a regional overseer for the Giving Machine initiative, told commissioners the kiosk would host five charities — including two based in Carmel — and operate from December until the first Sunday in January.
Mr. Peterson said the machine “instead offers opportunities to donate specific items that are sponsored and provided by local charities,” and that the initiative operates in more than 130 cities on five continents. He said local charity partners scheduled for this machine include the Carmel Youth Assistance Program, Hatch for Hunger, Bridal Learning, Dove Recovery House and the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
The commission heard that charities are vetted by the Giving Machine organization before participation. According to Peterson, eligibility criteria include being in operation for more than five years, holding 501(c)(3) status and meeting a minimum Charity Navigator score. Peterson also said all donations go directly to the participating charities and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, which sponsors the program, covers the machine’s operational costs so charities receive 100 percent of donor funds.
Commissioners asked about previous local results and potential other venues. Peterson said the machines at Clay Terrace have generated about $400,000 in donations across the first two years, with roughly 23,000 donors; item prices range from about $3 to $200. He said the program will be experimental in Carmel “first year” and that the administration is open to adding additional local charities in future years.
President Hammer moved approval of the license agreement and Commissioner Brooks seconded. Mariana called the roll; the recorded votes were President Hammer: aye; Secretary Brooks: aye; Commissioner Austin: aye; Commissioner Shaliel: aye. The motion passed.
The commission’s action is a temporary license for the 2025 Christkindl Market season; no permanent placement or multi‑year commitment was approved during the meeting.
The commission adjourned after concluding the item.
