Abstract: Apparatus and method for individually dispensing an item such as a newspaper from among a set of items. The dispensing machine includes a mechanism for individually dispensing an item from among a vertically stacked set of items; a money collection device for activating the dispensing mechanism upon payment of particular sum of money, and a housing containing the dispensing mechanism and the money collection device. Each article is urged against the front of the machine, and upon activation, is lifted slightly to clear a barrier, then discharged to the exterior of the machine.