RACE, RELIGION + SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Giving Machines return for the holidays
Nov 10, 2023, 3:30 PM
A girl looks at the many options available for purchase in a Giving Machine in Gilbert, Arizona. Gilbert is one of the 67 locations this year where donations can be made during the Christmas season. (Photo Church Newsroom | Intellectual Reserve)
(Photo Church Newsroom | Intellectual Reserve)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Giving Machines are returning for the holidays, with new machines all over the world.
Since 2016, church representatives say the “Light the World” initiative has inspired millions to help others in small and simple ways, all in the name of celebrating the life of Jesus Christ. The Giving Machines are one aspect of this initiative.
Starting November 20th, Utahns can find machines in Salt Lake City and Orem. The machines will also be found in 67 other cities and 7 countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Canada. You can also donate online.
Sister Amy A. Wright, First Counselor in the church’s Primary General Presidency, told KSL NewsRadio nearly a third of the Giving Machines will be outside the U.S.
“As we look beyond ourselves, as we look out into our community, out into our world, and see ways in which we can lift and love others. It’s amazing how it comes back to us tenfold,” she said.
The machines first debuted in 2017. Since then, 1.5 million visitors have donated over $22 million to help people around the world with meals, crops, livestock, vaccines, and clothing.
What’s new in 2023
This year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Giving Machines will be in 43 cities in the U.S. and 18 in international cities. That’s 33 additional cities when compared to 2022.
And they’ve partnered with over 250 local and global nonprofit organizations, more than all previous years combined.
In Utah, the machines will be located at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City and University Place Mall in Orem.
Results from 2022
Last year, the Giving Machine program provided 2.2 million meals for the hungry, and 31 million water purification tablets, enough to purify 3.9 million gallons of water.
They also helped in the following ways;
- 517,000 vaccinations for children,
- 3,400 people were provided with shelter,
- 28,000 children received school supplies,
- 3,000 scholarships given to children and teens,
- 35,000 children and adults received clothing,and
- 459 women and children spared further domestic violence or child abuse.
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