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News Release

See Where You Can Donate to a Light the World Giving Machine

The red giving-focused vending machines will be in 61 locations around the world to help people hold up the light of Jesus Christ through service

An important way you can spread the light and love of Jesus Christ this Christmas is through one of many Light the World Giving Machines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sponsoring these giving-focused vending machines in 61 locations around the world during the 2023 holiday season.

The theme of this year’s Light the World Christmas initiative is “Let Your Light Shine,” words the Savior of the world spoke to His followers. Giving Machines provide a unique path to spread His light — in your community or in a faraway country. Instead of buying something for yourself, your purchase is a donation for someone in need.

B-roll & SOTs

The machines have 1,200 unique items available across all locations. These goods and services were requested by carefully screened and reputable local and international nonprofits. These include meals, groceries, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, bedding, hygiene kits, job and career training, crops and livestock (such as chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, sheep and beehives). Patrons can type in 777 to purchase one of everything in a machine.

In 2022, donations to Giving Machines provided 2.2 million meals; 31 million water purification tablets (enough to purify 3.9 million gallons of water); vaccinations for 517,000 children; 41,000 chickens; school supplies for 28,000 children; 25,000 ducks; safe shelter for 3,400 people; scholarships for 3,000 children and teens; shoes, socks and warm winter clothing for 35,000 children and adults; 3,800 beehives; and the protection of 459 women and children from further domestic violence or child abuse.

Since Giving Machines first launched in 2017, 1.5 million people have donated more than US$22 million. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all program operational expenses. This ensures that participating nonprofits receive 100% of the collected funds. Participating nonprofits can use up to 10% of Giving Machine donations for overhead expenses. And each is required to submit a detailed report on how funds were used.

B-roll & SOTs

During the 2023 Christmas season, Light the World Giving Machines can be found in the following 61 locations in seven countries:

Australia

  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney

Canada

  • Calgary
  • Toronto

Guatemala

  • Cobán
  • Guatemala City
  • Quetzaltenango

Mexico

  • Aragon
  • Cuernavaca
  • Pachuca
  • Puebla
  • Toluca
  • Tula

New Zealand

  • Auckland

Philippines

  • Cebu City
  • Manila

United States

  • Atlanta
  • Columbia, (Maryland)
  • Boston
  • Charlotte
  • Chicago
  • Cincinnati
  • Dallas
  • Dana Point (California)
  • Denver
  • Des Moines
  • Flagstaff
  • Fort Worth (Downtown)
  • Forth Worth (Grapevine)
  • Gila Valley
  • Gilbert
  • Henderson
  • Honolulu
  • Houston
  • Huntington Beach
  • Indianapolis
  • Kaneohe
  • Kansas City (Missouri)
  • Knoxville
  • Laie
  • Las Vegas (Downtown Summerlin)
  • Modesto
  • Nashville
  • New York City (Times Square)
  • New York City (Church of Our Saviour, 59 Park Avenue)
  • Omaha
  • Orem
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenix
  • Portland
  • Prescott
  • Richmond
  • Sacramento
  • Salt Lake City
  • San Antonio
  • Seattle
  • Snowflake
  • St. Louis
  • Tucson
  • Washington, D.C.

More than 250 local and global nonprofits are participating this year — more than all previous years combined. Below are the global nonprofits:

  • African Girls Hope Foundation
  • American Red Cross
  • Care USA
  • Care Canada
  • Church World Service
  • iDE
  • Lifting Hands International
  • Mentors International
  • UNICEF Australia
  • UNICEF Canada
  • UNICEF USA
  • WaterAid

Those unable to visit a physical machine can participate at GivingMachine.org beginning Monday, November 13, 2023.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.