New Book Vending Machine Debuts at Moccasin Elementary
Moccasin Elementary celebrated a joyful milestone on December 10 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its brand-new book vending machine, funded through a grant from Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. MGCF presented a check at the event, and four Moccasin students had the honor of being the very first to use the machine.
The bright, lighted vending machine sits at the end of a well-traveled hallway—a new and exciting sight in the nearly 100-year-old building. What some students briefly hoped was a snack machine quickly became even better: a chance to choose and take home a brand-new book.
“This has created such a buzz,” said Britney Martin, PTM President. “Our kids pass it constantly, and they’re so excited. To walk away with a brand-new book is something many of them have never experienced.”
How It Works
Teachers receive reusable tokens to award for reading goals and positive behavior. The program is especially meaningful for students who often cannot participate in scholastic sales or purchase new books. “This makes reading feel special and accessible for all our kids,” Martin shared.
The initial machine and book bundles cost around $8,000—fully covered by MGCF. Future refills will be supported by PTM fundraising.
"At Michigan Gateway Community Foundation we pride ourselves in our partnership with Buchanan Community Schools and, in this case, the Moccasin PTM.” Said Michael Rowland, MGCF President and CEO. “What really excited us about this opportunity was that the PTM did a great job with matching the book vending machine with tokens the students can earn through behavior and work. This provides an equitable opportunity for all students to access books, and in turn, help the district deliver on their literacy initiatives."
A Community Effort
Martin emphasized how partnerships like this make a real difference in Buchanan. “We may not have the same resources as larger districts, but we have a community that shows up for our kids.”
The school hopes this is just the beginning: a book vending machine in every Buchanan school, building excitement for reading—one token at a time.