Light the World Initiative Shares the Love of Christ Across the Globe

Each year, the Light the World initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by sharing His love through acts of service around the world.

Giving Machine kiosks are one element of that initiative, and this year, the kiosks are in 126 cities across 21 countries on six continents — more locations than ever before.

Here are some highlights of how Light the World is bringing the love of Christ to communities worldwide this Christmas season.

El Salvador

Donations received through Giving Machine kiosks in El Salvador will benefit the Help Me Live Foundation, providing over 1,300 children with necessary medical care.

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Elder Hugo O. Panameño, an Area Seventy, encouraged Salvadorans to follow Christ’s example through their acts of service.

“Christ invited us to serve, to give and to share of ourselves for the little ones, to lovingly alleviate those burdens that many of us cannot even imagine what these children and their families suffer, so let us experience His light, the Light of Christ, and illuminate the world by making these donations.”

Philippines

The Light the World Giving Machine kiosks opened in Bonifacio Global City in the Manila area, marking the first of four launches of the 2025 Giving Machine season in the Philippines.

The kiosks are also in Cebu, Davao and Bacolod City.

Spain

Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, president of the Europe Central Area, spoke at the first-ever launch of Giving Machines in Spain.

“At Christmas we celebrate the love of Jesus Christ, and today that love has become visible with every donation,” he said.

Austria

Donations made at Giving Machine kiosks in Austria will benefit several local organizations, including Diakonie Österreich, one of the country’s largest social aid organizations. It supports thousands of people with education, health care, refugee assistance and social inclusion programs.

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Maria Katharina Moser, director of Diakonie, spoke about the impact these donations will have and the opportunity to offer Christlike service.

“The vending machine offers a tangible opportunity for social devotion and Christian charity at Christmastime,” she said. “Together we can offer very concrete help to those in need, such as a healthy meal, study materials or medical care for people without health insurance.”

New Zealand

Robert Dil and his family are regulars at the Auckland, New Zealand, Giving Machine kiosks. They consider using the kiosk a good way to strengthen their faith and help others.

“The Giving Machine has become an annual part of our family traditions,” Dil said. “We feel the spirit of Christmas and the Light of Jesus Christ as we serve through the Giving Machines and make meaningful donations. It brings our family closer together and helps it feel like Christmas.”

In New Zealand and Australia, Giving Machine kiosks are in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Christchurch, Hamilton, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Wellington and Sydney.

Kenya

Church members in Nairobi, Kenya, came together to create a video depicting the nativity story from Luke, chapter 2.

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Following the launch of the video, Benson Arudo, Central Africa Area production manager, expressed the joy he felt while participating in the project.

“Participating in this production was truly a blessing, and working with the children to portray the nativity was truly inspiring,” he said. “I am thankful for the combined efforts and talents that brought this vision to life.”

Millions have viewed the video.

Honduras

“Each of us can be someone who changes, who enlightens, who strengthens hearts and gives life. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come and donate through the machine to bless every child, every young person who needs us,” Mauricio Galindo, Church member and Giving Machine patron, said at the celebration of this year’s Light the World launch in Honduras.

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Mexico

Seven cities in Mexico will host Giving Machine kiosks this year, benefiting 11 local charitable organizations.

Fundación MVS Radio A.C., a Light the World collaborator, helps raise the quality of life for Mexicans with hearing disabilities.

“Thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its inspiring Giving Machine initiative, many people will once again hear the voice of their loved ones and regain the joy of listening,” said Ingrid Alejandra González, operational director.

Pocatello, Idaho, United States

Light the World celebrations in Pocatello, Idaho, featured performances by several musical guests, including Jay Osmond, Mercy River, Daniel Blomberg, Jarica Jamison and Carrie Yost, as well as local artists.

Governor Brad Little and Elder David J. Pickett, an Area Seventy, joined hundreds of local leaders, charity collaborators, and guests to launch the Giving Machine kiosks in the East Idaho area.

Rexburg, Idaho, United States

At Brigham Young University–Idaho, community members gathered to unveil Giving Machine kiosks whose donations will benefit local and global charities.

Local high school students provided the musical numbers. Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill and his wife, Marianne, attended the event and were among the first to donate to the Giving Machine kiosks.

Giving Machine kiosks also debuted at Brigham Young University in Provo, bringing the service-focused vending machines to the BYU campus for the first time.

Denver, Colorado, United States

Denver’s mayor, Mike Johnston, helped unwrap Giving Machine kiosks, along with Church leaders and representatives from local Colorado charities.

“These are opportunities while you’re shopping for your own loved ones; you can also give to nonprofits and communities in need,” Mayor Johnston said. “While you’re shopping for everyone else, look out for those who need it the most right here at the Giving Machine.”

Since the Giving Machine kiosks first arrived in Denver in 2019, visitors have donated more than 85,000 items and $2.5 million to local organizations and global nonprofits.

New York City, New York, United States

Bright red Giving Machine kiosks were unveiled in Times Square, Monday, December 1. The remarks were provided by Rev. Adriene Thorne of the Riverside Church and Michele Walsh, executive vice president and Chief Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA.

The vending machines have since been moved to four different churches in Manhattan for the Christmas season, including the Church of Our Saviour at 59 Park Avenue and 38th Street;  Riverside Church at 490 Riverside Drive; West End Church at 245 W 77th Street; and St. Peter's Church at 619 Lexington Avenue. 

Throughout the 2025 Christmas season, Light the World Giving Machine kiosks will continue to launch globally. More information about Light the World events and initiatives can be found here.