New York City’s Rockefeller Center is famous for its enormous Christmas tree covered in bright lights. But this year, the plaza will also provide a way for New Yorkers to spread light around the world.
On the morning of Tuesday, November 30, 2021, wrapping paper was excitedly torn away from a boxed facade and revealed bright red Giving Machines ready for donations.
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Among the global charities associated with the 2021 Giving Machines like UNICEF and CARE, the New York City machines specifically provide opportunities for residents and tourists alike to donate to The Actors Fund, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the Mariano Rivera Foundation, and The New York Board of Rabbis. Alongside the familiar goats and chickens available via the Giving Machines, items like laptops, baseballs, Passover meals, metro cards, utility bills, bibles, and more can be “purchased” for local New Yorkers in need.
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Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell attended the unveiling and was one of the first to make a donation.
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a crawl and created unprecedented challenges, particularly for members of the performing arts and entertainment community,” said Brian Stokes Mitchell, chairman of the board of The Actors Fund, according to Newsroom. “The unique Giving Machines platform will allow people to come together in support of The Actors Fund, enabling us to help thousands of people who now need our services more than ever.”
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The Rockefeller Center shared highlights from the event in its Instagram stories, encouraging viewers to help #LightTheWorld. See the full video below: