Have you seen the giant gumball machine in Litchfield Towers?

The next time you’re passing through Towers Lobby, don’t miss a chance to say hi to the building’s newest resident: A 7-foot, charity-benefiting gumball machine.

“Part of our mission is to look for ways that we can give back to our students and our community. This was an interesting and fun way to do that,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services Julie Bannister, who helped coordinate the installation.

It’s one of a number of such gumball machines around the country run by the GRACE Giving Foundation, a nonprofit started by Michigan State University student Grace Griffin to support the daily needs of children and families facing cancer and COVID-19. Part of the gumball sales will go back to the foundation, and part will go to the Pitt Pantry.

“Proceeds from these machines will support the Pitt Pantry’s mission of ensuring that all members of the Pitt community have reliable access to a balanced and nutritious diet through food, education and additional services,” said Sustainability Program Assistant Ciara Stehley.

All maintenance and restocking of the machine will be done by the foundation, and Bannister said the machine will be in the building for at least three years.

— Patrick Monahan