The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expanding its efforts to #LightTheWorld during the Christmas season by encouraging people to donate items for the needy at special vending machines throughout the world. The special ‘GIVING MACHINES’ are being installed in London for the first time.
“Each year, during the holiday season, people around the globe have found countless ways to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Elder Brent H. Nielson, a senior leader for the Church. “We are excited to offer new opportunities this Christmas to spread joy, hope and love in a world that needs the light of Christ.”
The popular #LightTheWorld 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. As part of this campaign, Giving Machines – essentially large, red vending machines – will be placed in five locations throughout the world to provide a way for people to give an instant act of service.
In addition to London, these machines will be located in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Gilbert, Arizona, USA; New York, New York; and Manila, Philippines. People will be able to purchase a variety of items to donate through partner charities such as CARE International UK, Royal British Legion and Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank.
Items available for purchase include food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, wheelchairs, sporting equipment, and livestock.
Last year’s single Giving Machine in Salt Lake City resulted in more than $550,000 raised for local and global charities.
The Giving Machines will open on the following dates and locations:
• Manila – November 23 (SM Mega Mall)
• New York – November 27 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple)
• Salt Lake City – November 28 (Joseph Smith Memorial Building)
• Gilbert: November 29 (Water Tower Plaza)
• London: November 30 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hyde Park Visitors Centre)
The machines will be available over Christmas. 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.