Light the World Launches in Kansas City, Missouri

Dignitaries joined community organizations and a senior Church leader on Saturday, November 30, 2024, to unveil Light the World Giving Machines inside historic Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Elder W. Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed a large holiday gathering of families, noting the benefit of the Giving Machines.

“In this world where there are many needs, none of us can do everything, but every one of us can do something,” Elder Gong said.

The Light the World Giving Machines are large red vending machines scattered across 107 cities, 13 countries and five continents. They are now in their fourth year in Kansas City. Unlike traditional vending machines, these machines are about giving rather than receiving.

“Kansas City does a heck of a job bringing everyone out here to these Giving Machines,” said Michael Parson, the governor of Missouri. “And I’ve been to a lot of them.”

His comments were echoed by Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City. “More than four years ago,” he recalled, “several very special people came to me from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and said, ‘We want to do something special and different, and it relates to vending machines.’”

Download Photo

Since then, more than three-quarters of a million dollars has been raised in Kansas City through these gift-giving machines. The Church underwrites the operational expenses, allowing 100% of the donations to benefit those in need.

In addition to numerous global organizations, the recipients are women, children, individuals and families supported by seven local charities: Amethyst Place, Community Services League, El Centro, Flourish: A Furniture Bank, Pawsperity, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund and Science City.

Instead of buying yourself a candy bar or a soda, you can donate to local and global charities at the touch of a button.

The event was emceed by prominent philanthropists Tavia Hunt, the wife of Clark Hunt, owner of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, and Tammy Reid, the spouse of Super Bowl winning Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

To further spread the Light of Christ, Elder and Sister Gong also participated in a local sing-along fireside with The Bonner Family on Thanksgiving.

Download Photo

The next day, the Gongs were in attendance as the Bonners sang the national anthem at the Kansas City Chiefs football game and performed the Light the World anthem during a halftime program.

Download Photo