Returning again this holiday season, the Giving Machines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ “Light the World” campaign will be found in more locations in 2022, including eight cities to be visited by mobile versions of the giving-focused vending machines.
This year, Giving Machines will be in 17 states in the United States and five other countries — Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico and the Philippines — according to a report published Thursday, Nov. 3, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
In welcoming people everywhere to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, follow His teachings and share His light and their light with others, the 2022 “Light the World” initiative invites individuals to ask and act on the question “Who needs my light today?”
The popular Giving Machines offer a unique way to serve and care for others across the globe, giving donors an opportunity to “select” items such as groceries, fresh water, child vaccines, beds, hygiene kits, farming equipment, medical care, job training, educational supplies, beehives and livestock as charitable donations.
For 2022, “permanent” Giving Machine locations will be in located in the following 20 cities:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Calgary, Alberta
- Cebu City, Philippines
- Denver, Colorado
- Glendale, Arizona
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Houston, Texas
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Manila, Philippines
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Nashville, Tennessee
- New York City, New York
- Orem, Utah
- Sacramento, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
- Washington, D.C.
New for this year are eight additional U.S. cities that will be participating in a mobile Giving Machine experience. Plans are for a short visit in the following cities before moving on to a new location:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Gila Valley, Arizona
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Tucson, Arizona
The number of participating nonprofit organizations is also expanding in 2022, with nearly 125 local and global nonprofits joining the Church in caring for and serving millions of people in need.
This year’s global nonprofit participants are:
- African Girls Hope Foundation
- American Red Cross
- Church World Service
- International Development Enterprises
- Lifting Hands International
- Mentors International
- UNHCR
- UNICEF
- Water For People
- World Food Program
With the first Giving Machine having debuted in 2017, total contributions have reached $15 million over the five-year period. Giving Machines were not available in 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
As part of its ongoing global humanitarian efforts, the Church covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100% of all donations goes to the selected charitable cause.
Those unable to visit one of the above locations and make an in-person donation with a physical machine can participate online at LightTheWorld.org/give.
Visit LightTheWorld.org on Nov. 16 for location-specific dates and times.
