An apparatus and method for promoting voluntary contributions, such as to charitable causes, in association with an automated merchandising machine. The apparatus comprises a collection container with a lockable access door, the container adapted for mounting to an automated merchandising machine and including an opening through which coins or bills can be inserted. Information about the voluntary contribution cause can be displayed on the contribution box and/or the automated merchandising machine. Placement of the box is preferably chosen to promote voluntary contributions from customers of the automated merchandising machine customers. Preferably only the voluntary contribution cause has a key to the collection box.