Starting on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, local and international charities rallied together to sponsor a "Giving Machine" vending machine in Lincoln Square, in New York City, NY. These Giving Machines were created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for anyone – even kids – to purchase items from chickens to mosquito nets on behalf of its partner charities, including UNICEF USA, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of NY, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, Art Start and CARE.org. Items range from $3-$250, and all donors have to do is make their vending machine selection, swipe a credit card and then see their purchase drop for a greater cause.
The Giving Machines are part of the #LightTheWorld campaign led by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which asks people to take the 25 days leading up to Christmas and turn it into a season of service, lifting and helping others in small and simple ways. The Church will cover all administrative costs for the Giving Machines to ensure 100% of donations go directly to charity.
Last year, just one Giving Machine in Salt Lake City resulted in more than $550,000 raised for charity – here's a video showing that campaign in action.
