Machines Vending Will Dispense Charitable Giving Options

The first vending machines dispensed gum. Next came machines for cigarettes and candy bars. You can find small electronics in vending machines in malls and airports.

What about a vending machine with goats or eye exams?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expanding its vending machine program to 10 locations this Christmas season, further expanding its efforts to #LightTheWorld by encouraging people to perform instant acts of service that make a difference in others’ lives.

“This year we will be adding new locations for our Giving Machines,” said Elder Brent H. Nielson, General Authority Seventy. “This unique way to give not only blesses the life of the giver, but also lifts the receiver in locations all around the world. Our hope is to offer opportunities to Light the World one by one.”

This is the third year for the Giving Machines, which raised more than $2.3 million in 2018 for local and global charities. Total donations for 2019 will be continuously updated throughout the season and will be available on www.LightTheWorld.org

The Giving Machines will be open to the public in:

• Manila, Philippines — November 8 (TriNoma Mall)

• Las Vegas, Nevada — November 14 (Downtown Summerlin)

• Laie, Oahu, Hawaii — November 20 (Polynesian Cultural Center)

• Gilbert, Arizona — November 20 (Water Tower Plaza)

• Salt Lake City, Utah — November 26 (Joseph Smith Memorial Building)

• Orem, Utah — November 26 (University Place Mall)

• Denver, Colorado — November 26 (Writer Square)

• San Jose, California — November 29 (Christmas in the Park)

• New York, New York — December 3 (Manhattan New York Temple)

• London, England — December 3 (Hyde Park Visitors’ Centre)

This year, users can purchase multiple items, if they wish, for people in need with one swipe of a credit card. Items range in price from $2 to $320 and include food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, sporting equipment and livestock. The items will be supplied through partner charities such as UNICEF, Church World Service, WaterAid, Water For People and International Medical Corps.

The campaign asks people to take the 25 days leading up to Christmas and turn it into a season of service, lifting and helping others in small and simple ways. While people usually put money into vending machines expecting to receive something in return, these Giving Machines provide a way for people to give instant acts of service and make a difference in their communities and the world.

The machines will be available through the Christmas season. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to partner charities for the purchased item or for items or services of greater need based on their discretion. All administrative costs for this campaign and costs associated with its nonprofit partners are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.