Giving Machines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ #LightTheWorld campaign are opening in 17 states in the U.S. and five other countries around the world. Eight cities will be visited by mobile versions of the giving-focused vending machines.

See below for unwrapping celebrations.

What are Giving Machines?

Giving Machines offer a unique way to serve and care for others across the globe, giving donors an opportunity to “select” items such as groceries, fresh water, child vaccines, beds, hygiene kits, farming equipment, medical care, job training, educational supplies, beehives and livestock as charitable donations. Nearly 125 local and global nonprofits are joining the Church in caring for and serving millions of people in need.

With the first Giving Machine having debuted in 2017, total contributions have reached $15 million over the five-year period. Giving Machines were not available in 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The Giving Machines are part of the 2022 Light the World initiative, which this year has the theme, “The world needs your light.” More information can be found at LightTheWorld.org.

Here’s more about the celebrations when Giving Machines open in an area and a schedule of when Giving Machines are scheduled to open. See a list of locations here. Not near a Giving Machine? Online donations can be made at LightTheWorld.org/give.

Charleston, South Carolina

On Dec. 19, the Mobile Giving Machine arrived at Miracle Park in Charleston, South Carolina. The public has the opportunity to donate at the machines until Dec. 23, with live, local musical performances each evening.

Tuscon, Arizona

The Arizona Giving Machine traveled from Gila Valley to its last location of Tucson on Dec. 17. It will be at Park Place Mall until Jan. 2.

Charlotte, North Carolina

The Mobile Giving Machine moved to the Promenade on Providence in Charlotte on Dec. 13. A Facebook post on Dec. 15 said more than 900 people had been through the trailer in the first two days. The Giving Machine was there until Dec. 17.

The Mobile Giving Machine welcomes visitors in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Dec. 15, 2022.

Screenshot from Facebook

Atlanta, Georgia

The Mobile Giving Machine traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, on Dec. 6, and was at The Interlock until Dec. 11.

Attendees at the opening were treated to vocal performance from Abele Abbey of The Bonner Family and an appearance by actor Brandon Quinn from the Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias.”

Abele Abbey of the Bonner Family sings “Let’s Light the World” at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mobile Giving Machine in Atlanta, Georgia, on Dec. 6, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder M. Andrew Galt, an Area Seventy, and Atlanta City Council member Byron D. Amos spoke at the ribbon cutting, according to a report on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Tiffany Bird of Atlanta said, “The mobile machine is such a unique way to help my children experience giving to others. Seeing the products in the machines, they realize how there are families and children around them that do not have basic daily needs. And this is an opportunity for them to do something about that.”

Local Church and community leaders, representatives from local and global charities, and special guest artists celebrate the opening of the Light the World Mobile Giving Machine in Atlanta, Georgia, on Dec. 6, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Birmingham, Alabama

Dec. 1-4 the Mobile Giving Machine stopped in Birmingham, Alabama, coming from St. Augustine, Florida, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia.

The Mobile Giving Machine Facebook and Instagram accounts wrote, “A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, performers, and organizations involved in making this unique giving experience a success. We hope everyone who visited the Mobile Giving Machine so far felt the love and light of the Christmas season.”

Gila Valley, Arizona

The mobile or traveling Giving Machine moved from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Gila Valley/Safford on Dec. 3. It was at Safford City Hall through Dec. 16, before moving on to Tuscon.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

The first Giving Machines in Guatemala opened Dec. 1 at two locations — Pradera Vistares and Pradera Concepción. The donations will help benefit children with cancer in the country.

The Church’s Guatemala Newsroom reported that Elder Roberto González, an Area Seventy, helped unwrap the machines. He shared a message of how the initiative helps people follow the example of Jesus Christ.

More information is at https://maquinasdedonacion.gt/.

Sara Altalef with Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir and Elder Roberto González, Area Seventy, unwrap a Giving Machine in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on Dec. 1, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Washington, D.C.

Giving Machines at the Church’s Washington, D.C., visitors’ center were unwrapped on Nov. 30. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was in attendance and shared remarks on how the initiative makes a difference in people’s lives.

The D.C. Giving Machines will be open through the beginning of 2023.

Mexico City, Mexico

Giving Machines are in two locations in Mexico City this year. The location at Town Center El Rosario opened on Nov. 28, and the location at Centro Gran Sur opened on Nov. 29.

Patrons who use the Giving Machines are encouraged to use #IluminaElMundo on social media, which is Spanish for #LightTheWorld.

A girl holds a card showing the option of buying a gallon of drinking water at the Giving Machines in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 29, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Calgary, Alberta

Canada’s first Giving Machines are now open at Southcentre Mall in Calgary after an unwrapping program on Nov. 29.

Representatives of local charities spoke about what the donations will mean to those they serve. Elder David C. Stewart, an Area Seventy in the North America Central Area, said Giving Machines “give an opportunity to love your neighbor. ... You get to be a champion for someone who needs help.”

Visit givingmachinecalgary.ca for more information.

New York City, New York

Giving Machines opened in two locations in New York City on Nov. 29 — at Rockefeller Center and near the Lincoln Center.

Members of the participating charities spoke about the unique way to give to others and did individual interviews with local media outlets after the unwrapping.

From left, Larry Weiss, board member from the Mariano Rivera Foundation; Brian Stokes Mitchell, chairman of the board, Entertainment Community Fund; Luz Tavarez, director, public and Community Engagement, Archdiocese of New York; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president, The New York Board of Rabbis; Elder David L. Buckner, Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Michael J. Nyenhuis, president and CEO, UNICEF USA; and Jill Clark, chief development officer for UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, at the opening of the Giving Machines at Lincoln Center in New York City on Nov. 29, 2022.

Michael Gambino

Seattle, Washington

The greater Seattle area Giving Machines are located in downtown Bellevue at Bellevue Square Park. Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson and others appeared at the grand opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 29.

Find the local hours and charity partners at givingmachinewa.org.

Nashville, Tennessee

Giving Machines were unwrapped in Nashville in the morning of Nov. 29 at CoolSprings Galleria. Local mayors spoke about how the unique way to serve others blesses the community. The Nashville Tribute Band also performed an original song they wrote specifically for the Giving Machines titled, “We All Can Light the World.”

Hours and information on participating charities can be found at givingmachinesnashville.org.

Brisbane, Australia

The first Giving Machines in the Southern Hemisphere opened in Brisbane, Australia, on Nov. 26. Elder Peter F. Meurs, a General Authority Seventy who serves in the Pacific Area presidency, and Logan City Mayor Darren Power helped cut the red ribbon with other officials to officially launch the Giving Machine at the Logan Hyperdome Shopping Centre.

It will be open until Dec. 28. See givingmachine.org.au for information.

Denver, Colorado

With music and balloons under blue skies, Giving Machines in Denver, Colorado, were unwrapped on Nov. 26, at Writer Square. Representatives of the local charities were also available throughout the celebrations. The outdoor machines are open through Jan. 1.

See givingmachinesdenver.org for information about the Giving Machines and other events.

St. Augustine, Florida — southeast U.S. Giving Machine

This mobile Giving Machines opened Nov. 25, at St. Augustine Visitor Information Center in St. Augustine, Florida. It has two options to benefit two local charities: St. Gerard Campus which helps teen mothers, and Miriam’s Basket, which helps provide clothes and shoes to children in crisis. With oversized scissors, representatives of both organizations helped cut a yellow ribbon during the celebration.

Marissa Daniels of Jacksonville, Florida, said in a report on ChurchofJesusChrist.org: “The day after Thanksgiving we had the opportunity to go to St. Augustine and visit the Mobile Giving Machine. It was such an amazing experience. I’m so glad we [did it] with our kids. They were so excited to pick out items to donate!”

The machine was at that location until Nov. 29, and then moved to Birmingham, Alabama.

The mobile Giving Machines make its first stop in St. Augustine, Florida, from Nov. 25 to Nov. 29, 2022.

Screenshot from Facebook

The machine is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Nov. 29. The mobile machine then moves to Birmingham, Alabama, at City Walk Birmingham Dec. 1-4. It will also be in Atlanta, Georgia, at The Interlock Dec. 6-11; Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Promenade on Providence Dec. 13-17; and Charleston, South Carolina, at Miracle Park from Dec. 19-23.

See mobilegivingmachine.org for information.

Cebu City, Philippines

A second Giving Machine in the Philippines at in Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City, opened Nov. 25. Elder Steven R. Bangerter and Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, both General Authority Seventies and serving in the Philippines Area presidency, spoke at the celebration. Others, including charity representatives, local officials and influencers were at the opening celebrations for the two machines on the ground level of Ayala Center Cebu shopping mall.

“Giving Machines give us the opportunity, even in the private times of our life when nobody else is looking and no one knows what we’re doing, to go up to a machine, put in a few pesos and have 100% of our donation go to those who are poor and those who are in need,” Elder Bangerter said.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento’s Giving Machines opened Nov. 22 at Westfield Galleria Mall, Roseville. The location will be open during mall hours through Jan. 2, 2023, benefitting local and global charities.

See givingmachinesgreatersacramento.org for information about the Giving Machines and other events.

Orem, Utah

On Nov. 22, the Orem Giving Machines opened at University Place Mall, with the Truman Brothers band performing to kick off the evening.

Elder Evan A. Schmutz, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Utah Area presidency, said during the event: “I’m very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel that provides this kind of giving. When we consider the light of Christ in our lives, we will seek to share that light with others.”

The Truman Brothers band, comprising of brothers Ben and Chad Truman from Nashville, Tennessee, performs at the kickoff to the Orem Giving Machines at University Place in Orem, Utah, on Nov. 22, 2022.

Zachary Konecki, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Salt Lake City, Utah

Two ceremonies on Nov. 22 marked the opening of the Salt Lake City Giving Machines at City Creek Center, one at noon and one at 5 p.m, with singer-songwriter Adassa — the voice of Dolores from Disney’s “Encanto” — performing for the outdoor crowd.

Elder Hugo E. Martinez, General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Church’s Utah Area, said: “You stand in front of the machine and look at what is being offered. You just feel it in your heart and in your mind that you are to give. Nobody reports it but the mere fact at that precise moment you feel inspired to do it — that fills your heart with joy.”

Glendale, Arizona

A Giving Machine site in West Valley in Glendale opened at Murphy Park on Nov. 22 and will remain open for donations through Jan. 7, 2023.

St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix tweeted their appreciation at being included as a charitable organization this year: “Giving Machines are stocked with options like buying a pair of shoes or 100 meals for your local charity to help make the Christmas season more meaningful for others!”

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Charitable partners and local civic leaders join in the ribbon cutting for the Light the World Giving Machine in Glendale, Arizona, on Nov. 22, 2022.

Kary Ann Hoopes

Charitable organizations show the options available for purchase in the Giving Machine in Glendale, Arizona, on Nov. 22, 2022.

Kary Ann Hoopes

Gilbert, Arizona

Elder Michael A. Dunn, General Authority Seventy and counselor in the presidency of the North America Southwest Area, spoke at the ribbon-cutting event at the East Valley location at Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert on Nov. 18.

“May we, as we celebrate this Giving Machine, ourselves turn into ‘giving machines’ in terms of being willing to share and to sacrifice and really be a part of the greater good — the celebration of light and truth and goodness — which is this season,” he said.

Local nonprofit organizations help unwrap the Light the World Giving Machine in Gilbert, Arizona, on Nov. 18, 2022.

Kary Ann Hoopes

Flagstaff, Arizona — Arizona mobile Giving Machine

The mobile Giving Machine arrived in Flagstaff on Nov. 17 and will stay through Dec. 1 before moving on. It can be found at Heritage Square. It will open in Gila Valley at Safford City Hall from Dec. 3-15. and then move to Tucson at Park Place Mall from Dec. 17-Jan. 1.

Houston, Texas

Located at Bravery Chef Hall, the Houston Giving Machines opened on a rainy Monday morning, Nov. 21, benefiting charities in the area and international organizations. Houston Astros mascot, Orbit, made the first purchase to cheers from the crowd.

The Giving Machines are open in Houston through Jan. 2, 2023. See givingmachineshouston.org for information about the Giving Machines and other events.

Honolulu, Hawaii

A special ceremony with song and music — including the traditional blowing of a conch shell — marked the opening of the Hawaii Giving Machines at Pearlridge Center on Nov. 19. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green helped highlight the local and national charities that will benefit from this year’s donations through Jan. 2, 2023.

See givingmachine808.com for information about the Giving Machines and other events.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Golden Knights hockey player Keegan Kolesar and Chance, the Knights’ Gila monster mascot, made the first donations at the Las Vegas Giving Machines at Downtown Summerlin during the unwrapping on Nov. 16.

See churchofjesuschristinlasvegas.org/giving-machine for information about the Giving Machines and other events.

Golden Knights player Keegan Kolesar and mascot Chance make a donation at the Giving Machines in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the opening on Nov. 16, 2022. They selected meals, a coat, a goat and underwear.

Andrea MacKay

Manila, Philippines

Elder Steven R. Bangerter, a General Authority Seventy and Philippines Area president, and Sister Susann Bangerter led the unveiling of the Giving Machines at Festival Mall Alabang on Nov. 17. Other local celebrities, influencers and religious leaders were in attendance.

Another Giving Machine in Cebu City at Ayala Center Cebu is scheduled to open Nov. 25.

Kansas City, Missouri

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson along with representatives of the Kansas City Chiefs organization helped unwrap the Giving Machines at Crown Center on Nov. 16.

“We are all children of God. What a blessing it is to share what we have, our abundance, with those who have less, and to lift those who need a hand up,” President Johnson said.

Other local celebrities have been involved in promoting the Giving Machines, including Kansas City native and actor Paul Rudd, whose film credits include portraying the Marvel superhero Ant-Man, and “Modern Family” actor Eric Stonestreet.

See givingmachineskc.org for information about the Giving Machines and other events.