Where You Can Donate to a Light the World Giving Machine in Utah

Those in Utah looking to spread the love of Christ this Christmas season can do so at Giving Machines throughout the state.

Giving Machines are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are available at the Red Cliffs Mall in St. George (November 18–30), City Creek Center in Salt Lake City (November 25–January 1, 2025), the Church History Museum at Temple Square (November 30–January 1, 2025) and University Place Mall in Orem (November 25–January 3, 2025). Additional machines will open at the Ogden Amphitheater on December 3 and 55 West Center Street in Logan on December 16.

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Two events were held on Monday, November 26, to celebrate the opening of the Giving Machines in Salt Lake City and Orem, Utah.

“We can become bearers of light, carrying it into the darker corners of our community where suffering, cruelty, abuse and misery are found locally and globally. The Giving Machines allow us to bring light, hope, support and love where those things are otherwise absent or scarce,” said Elder Karl D. Hirst, General Authority Seventy, at the event in Salt Lake City.

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado echoed this sentiment at the Orem event.

“The Giving Machine is a way to just reach the world where the need is. I believe that one of the greatest things that this Savior does for us is that he heals us one by one. … So this is a way to heal the world one by one,” he said.

Giving Machines are a unique and memorable way to provide much-needed goods and services directly to someone this Christmas season. This year, visiting a Giving Machine is easier than ever, as they are or will be in more than 100 cities in 13 countries on five continents — including the first in Africa and Asia.

“I bring my family to whatever machine is closest to us and it’s just so satisfying, so fun,” said Latter-day Saint and actor Kirby Heyborne, who acted as master of ceremonies at the Orem event. “That really gets us into the spirit of Christmas for sure. That’s exactly what the Savior wants us to do, is serve others.”

More than 500 local and international nonprofit organizations are participating in this year’s Giving Machine initiative. In Utah, these include organizations that fight against domestic violence, help at-risk and foster children, and support veterans.

One participant organization, Meals on Wheels, provides meals and companionship for aging community members in need.

“The Giving Machine is impactful in so many ways. It enables more routes. It enables us to cover more territory. We’re able to expand our reach,” said Curtis Blair, a representative from the organization.

Another charitable organization, the Academy for Creative Enterprise, was represented at the Orem event by Robert Heyn.

“We have a presence in 17 countries, and we have many people, small business entrepreneurs, low-income people mainly,” Heyn said. “And many of the donations here are going to go to help these people in a startup or developing their businesses.”

One hundred percent of each donation made at a Giving Machine will go straight to the participating organizations.

“That means that everything given counts, and everything is received as intended by the giver. They get the full fruit tree,” Elder Hirst said.

You can donate online if you can’t make it to a Giving Machine in person.