Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light the World?
#LightTheWorld is an invitation to transform the Christmas and Holiday time, into a season of service. It’s a worldwide movement to touch hearts and change lives by feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick and afflicted, and showing kindness to everyone.
What is a Giving Machine?
The Giving Machine is a popular and visible piece of Light the World, the annual Christmas and Holiday initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and its global charity, Latter-Day Saints Charities. Since 2016, Light the World has invited the global community to extend love and kindness by serving others. These customized red vending machines provide a unique, memorable, fun way to give to those in need – locally or around the world. Since 2016 over $15 million dollars has been donated on behalf of those who are most vulnerable, without regard to race, religion, or nationality!
What makes this initiative so unique?
Rather than buying candy or snacks for oneself, Giving Machines allow people to purchase an item for someone else—across town or around the world. After the payment process completes, a card representing the item drops into an enclosed display bin. The generous donor then leaves with a digital receipt and a feeling of joy and gratitude that no candy bar will ever equal.
Where can I find a Giving Machine?
Light The World Giving Machines are in select cities throughout the world. For a complete list of this year’s locations, visit GivingMachine.org.
What can I purchase (or donate) from a Giving Machine?
Light The World Giving Machines offer a variety of essential items to assist those in need, such as food (meals and groceries), shelter, personal hygiene kits, clean water, clothing, beds, educational assistance, medical/eye/dental care, immunizations, personal development, counseling services, and even chickens, goats, pigs, and beehives.
What are the payment options?
Giving Machines accept credit card and mobile payments only (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
How are Giving Machine donations used?
Participating organizations receive 100% of the collected funds and an itemized list of donor purchases. These organizations then acquire and deliver the goods and services to those in need. In some instances, substitutions for purchased items may be necessary to meet more significant demands; however, substituted items must remain within the same category as the original purchase.
How are operational costs covered?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generously underwrites operating expenses for the Light The World Giving Machine initiative. Latter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church, manages the receiving and distribution of funds at no charge.
How much have Light The World Giving Machines raised?
Since the first Giving Machine launched in 2016, hundreds of thousands of people have generously contributed $15 million (USD) to assist those in need.
What items or charities require the most donations?
Every participating organization has pressing needs. Those interested may research individual nonprofit charities here.
Can I donate online?
If visiting a Giving Machine is not feasible, donations may be made directly to the participating nonprofit organizations at GivingMachine.org.
For more information about the Light the World initiative, visit LightTheWorld.org.
For more information about Giving Machines, visit GivingMachine.org.