Seven Arizona cities to host #LightTheWorld Giving Machines this holiday season

Vending machines allow users to donate items like clothing, baby gear, school supplies and even chickens and goats for people in need

The Giving Machine, the “vending machine” that works in reverse by providing users an opportunity to donate a variety of much-needed items for local and global charities, will open to the public on Nov. 15 at Hale Centre Theatre Courtyard in Gilbert, where it will remain through Jan. 1, 2025.

Additional machines will be located at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale from Nov. 16 to Jan. 1, 2025.

There will also be machines stationed in Flagstaff, Gila Valley, Prescott, Silver Creek and Tucson.

The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines started in 2017 and have raised more than $32 million in worldwide donations. Generous Arizonans have donated more than $5 million to local and global charities through the Giving Machines. This year’s effort will include over 100 locations around the world.

Local charity, Harvest Compassion Center, is participating in the West Valley Giving Machines for the first me this year. CEO and Executive Director Nicolee Thomas shared, “We are thrilled to partner with the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines this holiday season. All funds raised will provide food, hygiene, baby and clothing essentials for local families in Phoenix. The holidays are our busiest time of year, and every contribution will allow us to keep up with the growing
demand. Thank you for helping us feed, clothe and love our local neighbors!”

Nonprofit beneficiaries this year include:

East Valley in Gilbert:

• Aris Foundation
• Cece’s Hope Center
• CWS (International Charity)
• Kids Need to Read
• Right to Play (International Charity)
• Save the Family
• Tempe Community Action Agency
• United Food Bank

West Valley in Glendale:

• Childhelp
• Days for Girls (International Charity)
• Gathering Humanity
• Harvest Compassion Center
• IDE (International Charity)
• Live and Learn
• Phoenix Rescue Mission

Giving Machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provide an
instant act of service for people looking to help those in their community and around the world.
Visitors can make donations by purchasing items ranging in price from $5 to $150 and include
staples such as clothing and hygiene items, meals and school supplies to livestock and lifesaving medicine. Giving Machines accept credit and debit cards and mobile payment services.

Donations can also be made at lighttheworld.org/give for those unable to come to the
machines in person. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to participating charities.