Light the World Giving Machine kiosks are in more cities around the world than ever before for the 2025 Christmas season.
Across 126 cities in 21 countries and on six continents, the machines are part of the Light the World annual Christmas initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“The Light the World initiative and its Giving Machines have shown us that year after year, simple acts of kindness spark a brightness that affects an entire community,” said Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at a launch celebration inside Union Station in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, Nov. 22.
The customized red vending machines allow people to choose something to give to someone else in need — in their own neighborhood or around the world — through local and international nonprofit organizations.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating costs of the kiosks, making sure that 100% of each donation goes directly to the participating nonprofit organizations.
As the kiosks are unveiled, many cities will unwrap the kiosks with celebrations. For locations, see GivingMachines.org.
This article will be updated with Light the World events as they happen around the world.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Giving Machine kiosks are in Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington during the 2025 Christmas season.
Robert Dil and his family are regulars at the Auckland giving machine, according to a news release from the Church’s Pacific Newsroom website.
“The Giving Machine has become an annual part of our family traditions, and we help feel the Spirit of Christmas and the Light of Jesus Christ as we serve through the Giving Machines and make meaningful donations,” Dil said.
Dave Letele of BBM Motivation, a partner charity, expressed gratitude for the impact on vulnerable families.
“We would like to express our gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their generous donation through the Giving Machine initiative, which has enabled us to support many vulnerable families during these challenging times.”
Honduras
Giving Machine kiosks returned for a second year to San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Iris Ríos, director of the Love and Life Foundation, one of the partner charities, expressed her gratitude for the donations.
“We are deeply grateful for this initiative and the help it provides to the children,” Rios said. “Actions like these strengthen our mission and open new opportunities for those we serve.”
One local member, Mauricio Galindo, encouraged others to visit the kiosks.
“Each of us can be someone who changes, who enlightens, who strengthens hearts and gives life,” Galindo said.
Mexico
This year, seven cities in Mexico will have Giving Machine kiosks.
Ingrid Alejandra González, operations director of Fundación MVS Radio AC, one of the partner charities, called the Light the World Giving Machine initiative “inspiring.”
“Being part of this group of organizations benefiting from the generosity and compassion of so many people fills us with pride and hope,” González said. “This support motivates us to continue working with even more passion, commitment and love for the inclusion of those living with hearing disabilities.”
Rome, Italy
Rome’s first Giving Machine kiosks were unveiled in the Piazza della Repubblica on Monday, Dec. 8.
A special “Light the World” visual display — similar to those seen in New York City’s Times Square and London, England, in previous years — illuminated the Piazza della Repubblica to celebrate the unveiling.
Elder Emanuel Petrignani, an Area Seventy, expressed gratitude to all the partner organizations, including UNICEF, the Community of Sant’Egidio and the Italian Red Cross.
“Jesus taught that true discipleship is expressed through love, compassion, and service. Tonight’s event shows what becomes possible when faith, civic commitment, and human kindness come together, allowing the light of Christ to shine even more brightly in our lives,” he said.
Sen. Lucio Malan, majority leader of Italy’s Senate, also thanked leaders of the Church for the initiative.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is very active in Italy, much more active than the numbers suggest, and this also explains why you are growing,” he said.
Barcelona, Spain
Giving Machine kiosks have arrived in Spain for the first time. The city of Barcelona “came alive” with the launch on Nov. 28, reported the Church’s Europe Newsroom.
The machines are located at Westfield La Maquinista, and the celebration drew families, media and community leaders to witness the beginning of a new holiday tradition in the city.
Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Europe Central Area, wrote in a post on Instagram: “Welcome to the first donation machine in Barcelona. We are proud to participate in this great global initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that will bring light to many people. Wonderful to work with our beloved friend and sister Sor Lucía Caram.”
Sister Caram, a well-known Dominican nun and advocate, as well as a friend of the Church in Spain, served as an ambassador for the Giving Machines initiative by helping secure the location and drawing significant media attention, including a live television broadcast.
Vienna, Austria
On Nov. 13, people in Vienna and the country of Austria welcomed Giving Machine kiosks for the first time.
Live musical performances surrounded the opening and representatives from local charitable organizations — VinziWerke, Ronald McDonald Kinderhilfe, World Vision and Diakonie — participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, reported the Church’s Europe Newsroom.
All donations go directly to the participating organizations, with 100 percent of funds reaching the selected charities.
Elder Alliaud attended the event and said that the Vienna launch “shows how small, personal choices can multiply into something beautiful for the whole community.”
Westminster, London, England
Members of Parliament, peers of British nobility and diplomats gathered in Westminster, England, on Nov. 26 to celebrate the return of the Light the World Machines, as they are called in the United Kingdom, and to honor participating local charities.
Elder Kevin W. Pearson, General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Europe North Area, said: “Light the World is about following the example of Jesus Christ: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely and showing kindness to all. This initiative gives each of us a simple way to share His light and make a real difference — one act of service at a time.”
Jim Shannon, a member of Parliament, opened the reception. He serves as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief.
“Galatians 6:2 teaches us to ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ,’” he said. “The machines put that principle into action in a unique and very practical way. … I find the partnership behind this effort especially commendable. It is a model of collaboration that strengthens communities and builds trust.”
The Church’s U.K. Newsroom reported that the reception also welcomed members of London’s diplomatic corps, as well as ambassadors and government representatives from 10 countries.
6 Canadian cities
The Giving Machine initiative will be in six cities in Canada: Montreal, Laval, Lethbridge, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.
Last year, nearly 30,000 people used a Giving Machine kiosk in Canada, purchasing more than 12,800 items and supporting 18 Canadian and four global nonprofit organizations, according to a news release from the Church’s Canada Newsroom.
“The Giving Machine kiosks remind us of what the season is truly about — the joy of giving,” said Elder Dominic R. Sénéchal, an Area Seventy and chair of the Montreal Giving Machine campaign. “This experience turns generosity into something tangible, allowing you to support your neighbors and those in need, one thoughtful tap at a time.”
Nairobi, Kenya
Light the World Giving Machine kiosks returned to Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, Nov. 29. The red donations stations are scheduled to be there through Jan. 15, 2026.
“The Giving Machine kiosks give us the chance to show compassion, to show mercy, and when we do that, we lift each other and we build community and we become one,” said Elder Paul B. Pieper, a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Africa Central Area presidency, in a video on the Church’s Africa Central Area Facebook page.
This is the second year the Giving Machine unveiling event was held in the Sarit Centre, according to a news release from the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
Local partnering organizations include the Kenya Red Cross, Girl Aid Foundation, Rahma Worldwide and African Girls Hope Foundation.
Santiago, Chile
Giving Machine kiosks arrived in South America for the first time in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Elder Alan R. Walker, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Church’s South America South Area presidency, participated in the event.
“These machines are part of the global Light the World initiative, which celebrates Jesus Christ, our Savior, and reminds us of the commandment to love our neighbor. We are not celebrating an advertising campaign, but the Savior and the opportunity to follow His example by giving the best of ourselves to others,” Elder Walker said in a news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Donations will benefit local organizations that help children and youth. Donors can purchase items such as medications, hydrotherapy sessions, dental care, milk or diapers.
Cristián Miranda of Deportistas por un Sueño, whom the Church News met in June, said, “This campaign not only provides financial support but also visibility. Many of our children face terminal conditions, and we seek to give them dignity, care, and companionship. We are happy to participate in an initiative that invites society to look with empathy for those who need it most.”
Buenos Aires, Argentina
An opening ceremony for Giving Machine kiosks at a shopping center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Givers can choose from food, warm clothing, blankets, shoes, medical equipment, and educational scholarships to help four Argentine organizations that support people in need.
Alicia Garré, president of Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, said, “The help we receive allows the work of the hospital to improve the health of children throughout the country. We feel blessed every time the Church thinks of us and our patients.”
Elder Leopoldo Zúñiga, Area Seventy, said at the event: “We want to be a light and the outstretched hands of the Savior so that help can reach those who need it most. Jesus Christ went about doing good. This initiative is a simple way to follow His example and love our neighbor.”
Bangkok, Thailand
Giving Machine kiosks officially launched on Saturday, Nov. 29, in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the first Giving Machine in mainland Southeast Asia, according to a news release from the Church’s Hong Kong Newsroom.
“Everyone has a light to share, and by supporting the Giving Machine, we can make a positive difference together,” said Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Asia Area.
Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, the former governor of Bangkok, said the Giving Machine “reminds us of the reality between those who have and those who have not.”
“More than a donation tool, it encourages Thai society to embrace the spirit of giving,” he said.
Brigham Young University
For the first time, the Giving Machine initiative has come to the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
As part of its 150th anniversary, with the theme “Celebrating Gifts of Light,” BYU unveiled Light the World Giving Machine kiosks during one of the university’s “Nights of Light” parties on Monday, Dec. 1.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ,” said BYU President C. Shane Reese. “We felt like on this campus, where we’re trying to become a Christ-centered, prophetically directed university of prophecy, what better way to celebrate Christmas than to have our sesquicentennial be a night of celebration of that event. It’s an opportunity for us as an entire campus to commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
In a news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Donny Beyer, who attends BYU, said it is important for students and their limited means to remember that “when you have nothing to give, it is when you have the most to give.”
Los Angeles, California
Firefighters who worked on wildfires in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu in January were honored as Giving Machine kiosks were unveiled at The Grove, a popular outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment attraction in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles.
Local charities featured in the Giving Machine kiosks focus on rebuilding neighborhoods impacted by the wildfires. The proceeds will help rebuild small businesses, parks and recreation centers, according to a news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
“This is an opportunity to take a horrible situation and make the best out of it and build homes that are more resilient, safer for a community that can reside with those beautiful views, with the hills still behind them, and knowing that their homes are going to be much safer,” said fire chief Jaime E. Moore of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s first Light the World Giving Machine kiosk will be installed on the basement floor of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo until Dec. 25.
People who visit the machine are encouraged to remember a Japanese proverb that teaches every little bit counts, according to the Japan Newsroom.
Local partnering organizations in Japan include Second Harvest Japan, Good Neighbors Japan, Japan Association for Refugees, UNHCR Association and CARE International Japan.
4 Philippine cities
The Giving Machine kiosks will launch in Bacolod City for the first time on Thursday, Dec. 4, reported the Church’s Philippines Newsroom. The city joins three others in the Philippines hosting the kiosks: Manila, Cebu and Davao.
At the launch event for the donation stations in metro Manila on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, a General Authority Seventy and member of the Philippines Area presidency, presided over the event.
Salt Lake City
Giving Machine kiosks in downtown Salt Lake City were unwrapped on Monday, Nov. 24, at the City Creek Center.
Elder K. Bruce Boucher, an Area Seventy, expressed his gratitude for those who have supported the Light the World initiative and the lives it touches. “Today we express our gratitude for all of you and for helping us to provide light and joy in the world,” he said, testifying that providing opportunities for others to feel joy “would please Jesus Christ.”
Kansas City, Missouri
Elder Stevenson said over 850,000 people visited a Giving Machine station around the world last year, purchasing 450,000 different items, according to a news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
The goal of the Giving Machine kiosks is to give people around the world the opportunity to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ and embrace His invitation to “love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39).
Elder Stevenson said the Light the World initiative is rooted in the biblical teaching of Christ, who declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
“His light was never meant to be admired from afar. It was meant to be shared,” Elder Stevenson said. “When we give — whether it be through a machine, a donation or even just a kind act — we become His light.”
The Apostle also thanked all those who continue to “bring Christ’s light to the world one act of love at a time.”
This is the fifth year the Light the World Giving Machine kiosks have been in Kansas City.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed gratitude on behalf of the families in Kansas City who will be helped.
“The help that you’re giving with Giving Machines, the cheer that you spread and, more than anything, the heart that you are dedicating to our community and so many others is changing lives in Kansas City and around the world,” he said.
Bishop James V. Johnston Jr., with the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, joined the launch in Kansas City and said, “There are so many ways that we can put our love into action.”
“The Giving Machine is a beautiful way for us to do that,” he said. “It’s a way for us together as a community to express our love and our support, especially for those who might be struggling.”
