Giving Machine Kiosks Arrive in South America for the First Time

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has installed the first Giving Machine kiosks ever in South America, with locations in Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The kiosks will also be available in São Paulo, Brazil, later this month.

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The donations inside the machines will support three Chilean foundations:

• COANIQUEM (Corporación de Ayuda al Niño Quemado), which provides free rehabilitation for children and adolescents with burns.
• Fundación Gantz, which treats children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
• Fundación Deportistas por un Sueño, which supports children with complex or terminal illnesses and their families.

And four Argentine foundations:

• CILSA (Centro de Integración Libre y Solidario de Argentina), which supports and educates people with disabilities.
• FANDA (Fundación de Ayuda al Niño con Discapacidad Auditiva), which provides treatment for children with hearing loss.
• Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital
• Amigos en el Camino, which assists people experiencing homelessness.

Chile

An opening ceremony unveiling the kiosks took place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in Santiago.

“These machines are part of the global Light the World initiative, which celebrates Jesus Christ, our Savior, and reminds us of the commandment to love our neighbor. We are not celebrating an advertising campaign, but the Savior and the opportunity to follow His example by giving the best of ourselves to others,” said Elder Alan R. Walker, of the Church’s South America South Area Presidency, who participated in the event.

“It is truly an honor to welcome this project that transforms an everyday act into a real opportunity to help,” said Cinthia Hurtado, manager of the mall where the machines are located. “We want people to feel inspired and understand that a simple act can completely change someone’s life.”

She also thanked the Church for its trust and collaboration with participating foundations.

“We are happy to be part of a chain of generosity that brings together people of all ages and faiths,” Hurtado said. “I invite everyone to come, learn about the initiative, and experience the true meaning of Christmas.”

Donors can purchase items such as patches, creams, medications, hydrotherapy sessions, dental care, milk, or diapers, which these organizations will use to help children under their care.

Cristián Miranda of Deportistas por un Sueño said, “This campaign not only provides financial support but also visibility. Many of our children face terminal conditions, and we seek to give them dignity, care, and companionship. We are happy to participate in an initiative that invites society to look with empathy for those who need it most.”

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Elder Gabriel Campos, an Area Seventy, said the Church covers all operating costs, so donations go directly to the organizations.

“We want to ensure that every contribution translates into real help,” he said. “Our goal is not to raise money but to offer a personal experience that connects the giver with the receiver.”

“The language we all understand is love. These donations show that light is stronger than darkness and that goodness is still possible,” said Elder Walker.

Argentina

On Sunday, November 30, the Light the World campaign kicked off in Buenos Aires at a shopping center, with Giving Machine kiosks inviting people to choose from a variety of contributions to help in their community.

They can choose from food, warm clothing, blankets, shoes, medical equipment, and educational scholarships.

Laura Wierszylo, global strategic development director at CILSA, highlighted the long-standing collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ.

“We feel absolutely blessed, moved and excited. For 20 years, we have walked alongside the Church promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. A small action can create a big impact. In these machines, a scholarship is the opportunity for a student with a disability to enter, stay and graduate from university,” she said.

Gina Romano, president of FANDA, emphasized how donations translate into “days of listening” for children with hearing disabilities.

“We have worked for 30 years with families who cannot afford hearing aids or the treatments their children need,” she said. “Many times, they don’t even have enough to eat. This initiative opens a path so that, with a small gesture, someone can give a child the chance to hear, speak, and learn. It’s not just coming to the mall — it’s lighting the world with every gesture.”

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Representing the Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, its president, Alicia Garré, explained the impact of this help on a high-complexity hospital that treats thousands of patients daily.

“The help we receive allows the work of the hospital to improve the health of children throughout the country,” she said. “We feel blessed every time the Church thinks of us and our patients.”

“Christmas is a time for love, and love has many forms,” added Mónica De Russis, executive director of Amigos en el Camino. “We choose to be friends to those living on the streets. There are more and more people in this situation, with four generations living on the sidewalks of Buenos Aires. This initiative by the Church takes us by the hand and helps us extend another hand to those waiting for someone to look at them, call them by name and give them a chance.”

Elder Leopoldo Zúñiga, an Area Seventy at the event, said, “We want to be a light and the outstretched hands of the Savior so that help can reach those who need it most. Jesus Christ went about doing good. This initiative is a simple way to follow His example and love our neighbor.”