Store in Maine installs ‘huggable’ vending machine with free soda

LEVANT, Maine (CBS, KYMA) - A local store in Levant is giving back to its community this weekend, and residents can even score a free soda if they're willing to give out a hug.

The Levant Corner Store is hosting a Customer Appreciation Day this Saturday.

The event features free hot dogs, a raffle for Red Sox tickets, and residents can hug a special vending machine to get a free Coca-Cola.

The hug-machine is on loan from Coke and will only be in town for a limited time.

Store owners said with everyday costs continuing to rise, they wanted to give their regulars a little relief.

"Personally, it's great. I know half the people that walk through the door. It's just good to see people I know and help them out. Just with everything, with the price of everything nowadays, everybody needs a little hand," said Lance Allard, General Manager, Levant Corner Store.

Also on Saturday, ten cents from every gallon of gas sold will go directly to the Christine B. Foundation in Bangor to support local cancer patients.

Customer Appreciation Day runs this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern.