Giving Machine Kiosks Debut in LA During Tree Lighting Event

Light the World Giving Machine kiosks have made their debut at a star-studded event in Los Angeles, California. The bright red vending machines were rolled out during the annual tree lighting event at The Grove, a popular outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment attraction in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles.

The Giving Machine kiosks in the lobby of AMC Theaters in Los Angeles are part of the Light the World initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Celebrities discussed how to use the machines to benefit those in need.

Los Angeles Firefighters were honored at the 24th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Monday, November 17, where the Giving Machine kiosks were introduced.

Los Angeles was one of the first 126 cities worldwide to launch the Giving Machine kiosks during the 2025 Christmas season.

Thousands were left homeless, and communities were impacted by a series of devastating wildfires near Los Angeles last January.

The local charities featured in the Giving Machine kiosks focus on rebuilding in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu after the fires. The proceeds will help rebuild small businesses, parks and recreation centers.

The Church covers the overhead, and 100% of the donations benefit local and international nonprofit organizations.

“That’s incredible, what a way to give back,” said Fire Chief Jaime E. Moore of the Los Angeles Fire Department, when he learned that all of the proceeds go to the communities involved in the fires.

“Thank you for what you are doing for the people of Palisades,” said Chief Moore, who expressed hope for rebuilding safer, more resilient homes in the Palisades and encouraged those affected by the fires to maintain hope during the holiday season.

“This is an opportunity to take a horrible situation and make the best out of it and build homes that are more resilient, safer for a community that can reside with those beautiful views, with the hills still behind them, and knowing that their homes are going to be much safer,” he said.

The Church of Jesus Christ is one of many organizations assisting those impacted by the fires that raced through neighborhoods last January, including the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades.

President Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, traveled to Southern California in late February to minister to Latter-day Saints who survived the devastating fires.

Latter-day Saint volunteers have also assisted the fire recovery efforts in Southern California.