KarunaNews Story

Since 2017, Light the World Giving Machines are giant vending machine-style kiosks, found in 126 cities across 21 countries and on six continents, which let users contribute to a specific charity. The Giving Machine, a project of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is inspired by a core teaching to “love one another.” A typical machine includes food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education support, hygiene kits, bedding, job and career training, and even livestock such as chickens, goats, pigs, and beehives. When donations are transferred to each nonprofit organization, the Church provides an itemized list to make sure each gift is delivered as intended. Organizations have 12 months to fulfill the “orders.” Nearly $50 million has been donated through the kiosks. In 2024, 2 million meals were donated to feed people in need, 500,000 children were provided with polio and measles vaccines, and 5,000 refugees received emergency food boxes. In 2025, more than 4,000 items will be available to donate worldwide from over 500 local nonprofit organizations.