Latter-day Saint leaders report record number of Giving Machine donations for 2023 – Cache Valley Daily

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox speak at the Light the World Giving Machine launch in Salt Lake City, on November 21, 2023. (Photo: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

SALT LAKE CITY — Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints report that during the 2023 Christmas season, a record number of Giving Machines were available to the public as part of the Light the World initiative. The red vending machines were set up in 61 locations around the world, allowing more people to donate important items and aid.

Among the items visitors could purchase were meals, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, crops and livestock. Visitors could even purchase one of every item in the machine by typing in 777.

Church leaders report that from November through December, approximately 600,000 individuals visited Giving Machines in Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States, contributing $10.4 million in donations.

Donations for 2023 included:

• More than 2 million meals that will feed the hungry and 1,800 communities will receive fresh water.
• Thousands of children will receive important education materials, including 11,000 backpacks or boxes of school supplies; 2,100 laptops or tablets; 2,200 scholarships and 9,300 reading books and textbooks.
• More than 660,000 children will be vaccinated against polio and measles, and 8,500 hygiene kits will be distributed to refugees and others.
• More than 2,000 abuse survivors, veterans and seniors will be provided safe shelter while they regain control of their lives.
• Thousands of children will receive necessary clothing items, including 7,500 pairs of shoes, 6,800 pairs of socks, 4,100 items of winter clothing, 1,700 coats and 2,200 pajamas.
• More than 17,000 goats, 125,000 chickens, 2,100 beehives, 1,500 pigs and 1,400 sheep will provide families with long-term nutrition and income potential.

In 2023, nearly 250 local and global nonprofit organizations participated. The nonprofits receive 100% of the contributions, which will be used to fulfill every donor’s purchased item.

Church leaders note that since the Giving Machines first launched in 2017, more than $32 million has been collected.