Light the World Campaign with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expanding its efforts to #LightTheWorld by encouraging people to donate items for the needy at special vending machines throughout the world.

The #LightTheWorld campaign 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. As part of this campaign, Giving Machines - essentially large, red vending machines - are placed in five locations throughout the world to provide a way for people to give an instant act of service.

Here in New York City, the machines are currently located outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 125 Columbus Ave (corner of 65th and Columbus). The ribbing cutting ceremony occurred on Giving Tuesday, November 27 at which the Lincoln Square BID was represented and gave one of the first donations to the Westside Campaign Against Hunger, a local charity with which the BID has partnered. 

Items available for purchase include food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, wheelchairs, sporting equipment, and livestock. At the Lincoln Square location, the following charities are represented: UNICEF, Care.org, Water For People, WaterAid, Catholic Charities of New York, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and Art Start. 

The machines will be available through December. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to partner charities for the purchased item or for items or services of greater need based on their discretion. Last year’s single Giving Machine in Salt Lake City resulted in more than $550,000 raised for local and global charities.