Giving Machines Initiative Surpasses $70 Million in Donations, Expands Global Reach

During the 2025 Christmas season, visitors to Giving Machine kiosks donated approximately 4.7 million items to those in need. The red Giving Machine kiosks are sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100% of donations directly benefit participating organizations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirms that donations will be delivered in the coming months.

Impact of 2025 Donations

The impact of the 2025 donations includes:

• 3.5 million meals to facilitate feed the hungry.
• 500,000 children receiving life-saving vaccinations, protecting them from preventable diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus.
• 350,000 months of menstrual hygiene care, supporting the dignity of women and girls.
• 108,000 children and adults receiving essential clothing, including shoes, socks, coats, and school uniforms.
• 97,000 books, school supplies, and technology resources to support education for tens of thousands of children.
• 40,000 hygiene kits – including soap, deodorant, and toothpaste – providing cleanliness and confidence to students, refugees, and shelter residents.

Expanding Global Presence

Light the World Giving Machine kiosks were available in 126 cities – more than ever before – for the 2025 Christmas season. Church News reports that several countries hosted the kiosks for the first time this year: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Thailand. In total, Giving Machine kiosks were present in 21 countries and on six continents.

A History of Giving

Since the first Giving Machine kiosk launched in 2017, approximately $70 million has been donated through the initiative. The Nonprofit Times notes that the program raised $16.4 million in 2024 alone, bringing the total to $48 million before the 2025 season.

The Spirit of Light the World

The Light the World initiative, of which the Giving Machine kiosks are a part, aims to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ and embrace the invitation to “love thy neighbour” (Matthew 22:39). Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized this connection, referencing Acts 10:38 and stating, “Jesus of Nazareth went about doing good. I can consider of no better gift we can give the Savior than to love one another as He did.” Elder Matthew S. Holland, General Authority Seventy, added, “Like the wise men of old made significant sacrifices to bring and offer gifts to the Savior, Jesus Christ, we are grateful for people all around the world who sacrifice and offer donations to bring joy and light to others.”

Growing Impact and Diverse Needs

More than 500 nonprofits participated in the 2025 Giving Machine initiative, offering over 3,200 different items for donation. These items vary by city but typically include food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education support, hygiene kits, bedding, job training, and even livestock.

Donations are having a tangible impact on individuals and families worldwide. For example, in Western Nepal, menstrual hygiene education and supplies are helping girls stay in school. In the Philippines, families are using donated piglets to improve their livelihoods, with one family stating the pigs “helped seize away our sadness” after a loss and provided “hope for a new beginning.”