Anyone looking to spread light and love this Christmas season can do so through one of many Light the World Giving Machines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is sponsoring these givingfocused vending machines in 61 locations around the world during the 2023 Christmas season.

These machines offer a unique way to serve and care for others—in your community or in a faraway country. Instead of buying something for yourself, your purchase is a donation for someone in need. Across machines in all locations are a combined 1,200 different items requested by carefully screened and reputable local and international nonprofit organizations. These include meals, groceries, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, bedding, hygiene kits, job and career training, crops and livestock (such as chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, sheep and beehives). Patrons can type in 777 to purchase one of everything in a machine.

In 2022, donations to Giving Machines provided 2.2 million meals; 31 million water purification tablets (enough to purify 3.9 million gallons of water); vaccinations for 517,000 children; 41,000 chickens; school supplies for 28,000 children; 25,000 ducks; safe shelter for 3,400 people; scholarships for 3,000 children and teens; shoes, socks and warm winter clothing for 35,000 children and adults; 3,800 beehives; and the protection of 459 women and children from further domestic violence or child abuse.

Since Giving Machines first launched in 2017, 1.5 million people have donated more than US$22 million. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints covers all program operational expenses. This ensures that participating nonprofits receive 100% of the collected funds. Participating nonprofits can use up to 10% of Giving Machine donations for overhead expenses. And each is required to submit a detailed report on how funds were used.