In 2017, the first Light the World Giving Machine appeared in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City. That first kiosk introduced the world to the idea of charitable giving with a vending machine.
This year, there were 126 machines in 21 countries all around the world. Last year while we were in Europe Central Office, we got permission to put these vending machines in Rome, Barcelona and Vienna. Our replacements did a lot of work preparing for them.
Each machine has an assortment of humanitarian efforts you can contribute to, many local, some world-wide. Givers pay for a gift for someone in need. The gifts include things like goats, pigs, chickens, seeds, eyeglasses, hygiene kits, school kits, newborn kits, meals for individuals and families, emergency relief, blankets and bedding, emergency food boxes, and health and medical support like vaccinations and health care items. Some also include shelter and clothing items.
When someone chooses an item at a Light the World Giving Machine, their donation goes 100% to the charitable organization tied to that gift. All administrative expenses are covered by our church.
Since 2017, the Giving Machines have raised nearly $50 million in donations to local and international charities. It’s fun to be a small part of this movement!
This evening we visited the Giving Machine in our local University Mall. Caleb chose the goat. John and I purchased some newborn kits and a repair for a well. I am happy to be a part of the good in the world.
