SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 13, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the locations, worldwide, of this year’s Light the World Giving Machines.
Since 2017, these giving-focused vending machines, sponsored by the LDS Church, have offered a way “to share the love of Jesus Christ with people around the world,” a Church news release says.
“Giving Machines are a unique and memorable way to give much-needed goods and services directly to someone this Christmas season. This year, visiting a Giving Machine is easier than ever, as they will be in 106 cities in 13 countries on five continents — including the first in Africa and Asia.”
During the holiday season, the machines offer a way for people to pay for the cost of goods and services to be distributed to people in need. Among the items that can be paid for at the machines are the cost of food items, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, education, job and career training, and livestock.
Millions of items have been donated through Giving Machines since 2017, valued at more than US$32 million. The Church of Jesus Christ covers all program operational expenses. This ensures that 100% of every donation is used to provide those in need with the item a generous donor has purchased for them.
More than 500 local and international nonprofit organizations will participate in this year’s Giving Machine initiative. This year’s global charities are The Academy for Creating Enterprise, American Red Cross, Care, Catholic Relief Services, Church World Service, Days for Girls International, iDE Global, Lifting Hands International, MAP International, Mentors International, Right to Play, Save the Children, UNICEF, Water Aid, and World Food Program.
This year, Giving Machines can be found in the the countries of Australia, Canada, China, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the U.S., states with one or more Giving Machines are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah (Logan, Ogden, Orem, Salt Lake City, St. George), Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
To find the street address of a giving machine, click here.
