St. Louis, MO at the West County Center
December 20th - January 1st
Choose an item, Change a life.
The vending machine with a heart---the Light the World Giving Machine is a fun, push-button way to donate to local and global charities. With the swipe of a credit card, you can give hot meals, warm clothing, fresh water, polio vaccines, livestock and more!
During the Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites people everywhere to light the world by lifting and serving others in small and simple ways.
One unique, fun, and memorable aspect of the Light the World initiative is the popular Giving Machines. These customized vending machines allow the public to donate necessary products and services to those in need worldwide. Giving Machine items often include food, clean water, medical care, clothing, education support, hygiene kits, and even livestock, such as chickens, goats, pigs, and beehives.
St. Louis receives the Giving Machines from December 20th - January 1st. The machines are a perfect way to love, share, and invite others to Christ this Christmas. One hundred percent of every donation is given to the participating nonprofit organizations to purchase and deliver the donated item. This happens because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all Giving Machine operating costs.
Since 2017, the Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than US$22 million for local and global charities.
Event Information
When: Dec. 20th - January 1st
St. Louis Charities
What will you give to help someone in need?
The Giving Machines will contain the following “cards” available for donation. Allowing you to donate directly to the charity of your choice for the exact item you select. 100% of your donation will go to the intended charity.
You can select one or more cards at the Giving Machine from the touchscreen. All items will be available but may be in different orders depending on the individual Giving Machine you use.
$9
$27
$15
$14
$18
$14
$24
$42
$23
$24
$25
$37
$32
$60
$28
$72
$75
$55
$41
$99
$45
$78
$175
$50
$250
$5
$18
$100
$7
$50
Choose Light, Give Joy.
Giving Machines are inspiring others throughout the world. Choose to share your light and help others feel the joy of this special time of year. Here are a few friends sharing their love of the Giving Machine.
Travis Kelce
NFL Tight End
Paul Rudd
Actor
Invitation to Give
Introduction of St. Louis Charities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light the World?
Light the World, the annual Christmas initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invites all people to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ and follow in His footsteps by serving others.
What is a Giving Machine?
One component of this initiative is the unique red vending machines, appropriately called Giving Machines. In partnership with Latter-day Saint Charities, Light the World Giving Machines provide a fun and memorable way for the public to give to those in need.
What makes this initiative so unique?
Rather than buying candy or snacks for oneself, Giving Machines allow people to purchase an item for someone else—across town or around the world. After the payment process is complete, a card representing the item drops into an enclosed display bin. The generous donor then leaves with a digital receipt and a feeling of joy and gratitude that no candy bar will ever equal.
Where can I find a Giving Machine?
Light the World Giving Machines are in select cities throughout the world. For a complete list of this year’s locations, visit GivingMachine.org.
What can I purchase (or donate) from a Giving Machine?
Light the World Giving Machines offer a variety of essential items to assist those in need, such as food (meals and groceries), shelter, personal hygiene kits, clean water, clothing, beds, educational assistance, medical/eye/dental care, immunizations, personal development, counseling services, and even livestock (chickens, goats, pigs, or beehives).
What are the payment options?
Giving Machines accept debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express) via tap or swipe (chip readers do not work) and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and so on). In some countries, both cards and cash are accepted.
Where does my donation go?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs for the Light the World Giving Machine initiative. As such, participating nonprofit organizations receive 100% of every donation to purchase and deliver your selected item(s). Participating nonprofit organizations may use up to 10% of your donation for administrative costs. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to make an item substitution to meet unexpected needs. When this occurs, replacement products or services remain in the same category as the original purchase.
How are operational costs covered?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generously underwrites all operating expenses for the Light the World Giving Machine initiative. This ensures that 100 percent of every donation is used for its intended purpose.
Donors have the opportunity to cover credit card fees if they desire. Otherwise, the Church will cover those fees.
How much have Light the World Giving Machines raised?
Since the first Giving Machine launched in 2017, hundreds of thousands of people have generously contributed US$22 million to assist those in need.
What items or charities require the most donations?
Every participating Giving Machine charity represents a cause with pressing needs. Before visiting a Giving Machine (or donating online), spend a few minutes learning about the vital work of these charities. We‘re confident that a cause will resonate with you, and you will know that your gift will bless a life!
Can I donate online?
If visiting a physical Giving Machine is not feasible, you can donate directly to participating nonprofit causes at GivingMachine.org.
How can I get more involved?
Sharing your light with others goes far beyond a Giving Machine donation. Click here for ideas to do good and serve others this Christmas season.
- For more information about the Light the World initiative, visit LightTheWorld.org.
- For more information about Giving Machines, visit GivingMachine.org.