Special to the Herald
The Light the World Giving Machines, giving-focused vending machines sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, come to Florida for the first time Dec. 17, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025, at the Altamonte Mall.
The unique vending machines offer donors the opportunity to purchase in-demand donation items on behalf of those in need locally and globally. The machines feature items such as newborn welcome kits, hot showers, a bedding set, a holiday meal and senior medical alert system to provide the recipients with relief, dignity, greater self-reliance and joy.
In 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints placed Giving Machines in 61 cities throughout the United States and six other countries - Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand and Philippines. Since the Church launched the first Giving Machine in 2017, 1.5 million people have donated more than US$32 million blessing millions of lives.
“We are thrilled to have a Giving Machine placed in Central Florida this year,” said Elder Daniel P. Amato, a regional Church leader serving Central and South Florida. “The Church sees these giving-focused vending machines as an important way individuals can spread the light and love of Jesus Christ during the time of year that we celebrate his birth. Instead of buying something for yourself, the purchase becomes a donation for someone in need.”
Instead of offering a soda or snack, the Giving Machine at the Altamonte Mall will feature dozens of unique goods and services for purchase that were requested by local nonprofits. The groups that will benefit include Find, Feed & Restore; The Neighborhood Center of South Lake; SALT Outreach; Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition; Osceola Council on Aging; Lifting Hands International; and Catholic Relief Services. Prices for individual items range from $5 to $250. Donors can even type in 777 to purchase one of everything in the machine.
“Every donation we receive through the Light the World Giving Machine regardless of the amount, whether it’s a meal, pet care kit or medical alert system will help meet the needs of the seniors, disabled adults, the disadvantaged and families in poverty we serve,” said Wendy Ford, CEO of the Osceola Council on Aging.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all program operational expenses ensuring 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 donations were used. For more information about the Giving Machine at the Altamonte Mall or others around the world, please visit https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central Florida
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in 1830. Currently the Church has more than 17 million members in more than 30,000 congregations worldwide with global headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. It also has more than 25,000 members and 64 congregations in the Central Florida Area.
