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SALT LAKE CITY — This year's Light the World Giving Machines are spreading around the world as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its partners are expanding a yearly Christmas initiative.
A group of children announced 45 new locations Wednesday for the machines, including Ogden, Logan and the first Giving Machines in Africa and Asia, reaching a total of 106 giving machines for this Christmas season.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, speaking at a news conference at the church's Conference Center, said the announcement was his first event of the 2024 Christmas season and wished everyone in attendance, including thousands watching remotely through the church's social media channels, a "very warm, Merry Christmas."
An invitation
Elder Stevenson said the Light the World initiative began eight years ago as an effort to follow the example of Christ and help people find new ways to feel his love during the Christmas season.
"Over the years, Light the World has evolved into much more than a holiday message. ... It's a call to action worldwide; it extends the invitation to follow Jesus Christ in sharing light, love, kindness and service," Elder Stevenson said.
He said he loves standing in front of the machine with his children and grandchildren, being able to purchase a chicken or a beehive for someone, which helps the giver consider that people's needs are different around the world. He said the machines touch hearts and build connections. The effort has a "universal goodness" that draws people in around the world.
"Light the World is our message of glad tidings, which we're assured will bring joy to all people because of Jesus Christ," Elder Stevenson said, referring to the angels at Christ's birth.
President Camille N. Johnson, general president of the church's Relief Society, said since the church introduced Giving Machines, almost 2 million people have donated more than $32 million to various charitable organizations.
She explained that the church provides all of the operational expenses, and nonprofit organizations receive 100% of the funds. The organizations then report to the church how the funds were used, sharing stories of people who were blessed through the donations.
This year, the church is testing out some kiosk versions that are less like a traditional vending machine, and there is not a physical representation of the gift in the machine. One of the two kiosk locations will be in Orem.
A ripple effect
Sarah Barrett, with Mentors International, said it has participated in the Giving Machines for three years. People can purchase goats, chickens, sewing materials, seeds and fruit trees for Mentors International to distribute — but the receivers don't just get the gift; it comes with business mentoring. Barrett said 84% of the businesses the organization creates last over a year, many growing from a roadside booth to a company that is hiring — creating a ripple effect from a single gift.
"A gift from the Giving Machine is a kickstarter for businesses that change lives," Barrett said.
She helped women in Mexico start a hammock business, and when she went back a year later, they were teaching more women, increasing their products and selling to tourists.
"Know that if you're going to make a gift — it is meaningful, and it happens. And with this holiday season, it's a fun way to give a gift," Barrett said.
A song written by members of the Bonner Family, "Let's Light the World," will be associated with the church's campaign. Yahosh Bonner said his brother wrote the song a few years ago without realizing how related it is to the Giving Machine initiative.
He hopes when people hear the song they think about service, the Giving Machines and Christ's gift.
"For us, the Bonner family, it's really special when the gift of music that we have, we can share and lift other people," he said.
He said the machines show more can be accomplished when people come together, noting the nonprofit organizations partnering with the church.
Expanded vision
Eight years ago when the church placed its first Giving Machines, Elder Stevenson said it didn't have the vision of machines in 106 different locations around the world. He said the machines are a way for people to show love for their neighbor.
"I love to think about Jesus Christ as the light of the world, and of us being able to light the world through something as simple as this," he said.
Elder Stevenson said that light touches people everywhere with a desire to do good.
Tiffany Larson, CEO of Days for Girls, said this is the first year it will be participating in the Giving Machines, and people will be able to purchase period kits for school girls and for women who have recently given birth. She said some women do not have access to supplies to care for their period and are not able to fully engage in their lives during their periods.
"That limits them fully engaging in their life every day of the month. ... We're giving girls back their days," she said. "We just need to make sure that periods aren't stopping girls from pursuing their goals."
Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the church's Primary general presidency, said it would be impossible to gauge the impact of gifts from the machine. She said the focus of the machines is not money but blessing individuals and families.
She said they do not just address immediate needs but empower people and change their life trajectories. And she said the program will keep growing as long as people continue donating.
A tradition
Sister Wright said givers are blessed as well and fulfill a sacred responsibility to help others. She said as machines have now been in some locations for several years, she has heard of them becoming a Christmas tradition for families, with children and youth earning money so they can contribute as well.
"One of the greatest manifestations of his love is when we do something for someone that they cannot do for themselves. The personification of good tidings of great joy is both the receiver and giver are blessed," she said.
She said one of the newest locations for a giving machine is in Kenya, a country whose population has received many gifts from the machines over previous years. Sister Wright said it is extraordinary that they can also help change lives.
Sister Wright said children are "very altruistic by nature," and as parents and others invite them to participate in service activities like this, it establishes a foundation of compassion they will draw on throughout their lives.
"As our hearts are naturally turned to (Christ) this Christmas season, we also want to be more like him — and this is one of many opportunities," she said.
In addition to the giving machines, the 'Light the World' campaign includes invitations for church members to serve people around them to spread Christ's light.
