‘Light the World Giving Machines’ return to PH this Christmas

The one-of-its kind Light the World Giving Machines are making a comeback this holiday season. A project of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the vending machines facilitate donations to charitable causes of donors’ choice—a unique and memorable way to share light by serving and caring for others.

To make a donation through the Giving Machines, choose to purchase items such as food, hygiene kits, educational materials and resources, water treatment, emergency and repair kits, vitamins, eyeglasses, medical kits, gardening tools, and psychosocial support. Donations will be accounted for by the vending machines with the exact amount purchased given to each charity chosen by donors.

“We have learned in our many years here that Filipinos are loving and caring and generous. And we’re all part of God’s family. It’s well understood here,” said Elder Steven and Sister Susan Bangerter. Steven is the Area President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We’re excited to see you bring your children and show them how easy it is to care for others and for children all over the world.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Area President Steven Bangerter and wife Susan

The Light the World Giving Machines started in Manila in 2018. It has continued annually even during the pandemic, with donations directly turned over by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to non-profit organizations. The Church shoulders all operational costs, ensuring that every donation fully goes to the charitable cause chosen by donors.

The vending machines are located at Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa City. Those were officially launched through a ceremonial event on November 17, which also marked the start of the donation drive that will last until January 2, 2023. Participating non-profit organizations that will help bring the funds to the target beneficiaries are Caritas Manila, HERO Foundation (a non-profit donating to orphaned children of active soldiers), and UNICEF Philippines.

This year, the Light the World Giving Machines is also expanding to Cebu, where the machines will be hosted and launched at Ayala Center Cebu in Cebu City on November 25, 2022. Partner non-profit groups in the province are Cebu Caritas (a special project of Caritas Manila), Feed the Children, and Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.

Through the Light the World Giving Machines, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting people from all over the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by following His teachings to share the light with others. The project has expanded to 28 other locations this year—the United States, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, and the Philippines.

In 2021, the Light the World Giving Machines in 10 locations raised over $5.8 million for local and global charities. In Manila, despite the pandemic and local restrictions, direct donations were provided to Caritas Manila (₱500,000), UNICEF Philippines (₱500,000), and HERO Foundation (₱250,000).

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