Before the performance, I had an opportunity to walk Logan’s downtown — and what a downtown it is! Store windows decked out for Christmas, festive music on the hi-fi and a diverse choice for food or shopping made me envious of those so close to such a beautiful place. As I strolled, I noticed a large group of people huddled around a red vending machine. In my head, I thought “Cache Valley really loves their Coke products.” Now in the middle of throngs of shoppers, I realized it was a Light the World Giving Machine with a dozen families picking from the “menu.” Never having seen one up close, I got a moment to take it in, realizing the machine really is a cool concept as a means to connect funds with those in need. People of all backgrounds can select from 500 nonprofits ,with 100% of their donations going to the selected organization around the world. The line for the vending machine was about 15 people deep for this annual Christmas tradition. Last year, folks donated an astounding $10.4 million.

A day later, I found myself in line outside a Weber County liquor store — not nearly as beautiful as Logan’s Main Street, but the oil-stained parking lot makes for a insightful Rorschach test. It was an hour before opening, with folks full of anticipation for the special holiday wines and spirits offered each season. The line stretched around the side of the building, similar to the line for the Light the World Machine. Folks get to the state-run stores hours before opening to make sure they score that Blackberry Crown Royal. These long lines translate into money for our local unsheltered community members.

Our state lawmakers made some changes to Utah liquor laws during the 2024 session, adding the “round-up program” enforced by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS). We sinners now have a chance to donate to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless account when we check out. Ms. Atkinson, often know as “Utah’s Mother Teresea,” was a passionate advocate and friend for the unsheltered in Utah, advising governors and lawmakers, she even spoke at my college graduation. She died a few years ago, but her legacy lives on and her organization will get plenty of funds with this program. The state uses funds from this account for temporary shelters, food, case management and domestic violence resources.

At checkout, cashiers ask if you would like to round up to the nearest dollar to contribute to the Atkinson account. I bask in the idea our pious legislators believed alcohol drinkers of the state should subsidize our unsheltered as a way to make amends for the error of our ways. Their reason is that because alcohol is a factor in homelessness, drinkers can pay. I proudly take on this role, never missing the chance to round up. Unlike the Light the World vending machines, these donations happen all year round, with DABS projecting almost $3 million going to local homeless services. With Trump as president, it should make for a banner year in liquor round-up donations. Maybe lawmakers will realize sinning gamblers can subsidize education and institute a state lottery.

As I stood in line at my local liquor store, chatting with those around, we began to discuss this new program. Rounding up to the nearest dollar seems a meager amount, something anyone would shrug and say “yes” to. But the fact state liquor stores generated nearly $600 million in sales last year, the meager adds up to the mighty. I pointed out to my comrades that lawmakers want sinners to help our homeless brothers and sisters, and we should rub it in their noses that we are more than willing to step up to the plate. Launched on Nov. 19, going through both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the powerhouse New Year up next, I can’t wait to hear the numbers brought in by my booze and big heart. It’s the sinners versus the saints, and the sinners are showing up.

An article in Psychology Today explained why people are more likely to give when in a small group setting, due to both the peer pressure and the easy of just saying “yes.” One donation motivates the next. Preparing to check out, I took in whether those around me were agreeing to round up. The two men in front of me did, I did and the woman behind agreed. For around 10 minutes I observed and listened as customer after customer agreed to donate. It’s the magic of Christmas with giving back as you simultaneously purchase the beverage that makes the time of year all the more bearable. Every time a scanner dings, an angel gets its wings.

While I wasn’t impressed by the audience of the play in Logan, I was warmed by the crowds of people who were willing and excited to give to the Light the World Giving Machines. Families made it a night out, selecting together where they wanted their dollars to go. The giving of others is nothing to snivel at; it’s a true act of kindness trying to make the world a better place. Keep this in mind when those numbers come flowing in from the “round-up” program: It’s a group of people coming together and performing a true act of kindness helping people in our community, one sip at a time.

Meg Sanders worked in broadcast journalism for over a decade but has since turned her life around to stay closer to home in Ogden. Her three children keep her indentured as a taxi driver, stylist and sanitation worker. In her free time, she likes to read, write, lift weights and go to concerts with her husband of 18 years.