Fact Sheet

WHAT: Imagine swiping your credit card at a vending machine—but instead of buying a candy bar for yourself, you’re buying a beehive or a goat for a family in a third-world country, or a pair of shoes, or meals for a homebound senior. With the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, that’s exactly what happens.

The Giving Machines are vending machines with tabs that represent items and services that can be purchased to directly benefit local and international charities. This is a unique way for people to make donations to help those in need in their local community and make the holiday season a little more meaningful for themselves and for countless others.

100 percent of the donations received at the Giving Machines go to the designated charities.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pays for all administrative, logistical, and advertising costs so that all proceeds can go directly to the designated charities.

WHY: The Giving Machine is a part of a larger initiative called “Light The World” created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to spread joy and goodwill during the holiday season.

WHO BENEFITS: In Houston, the Giving Machines are partnered with five local charities – Interfaith of The Woodlands, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Sole Mission, Target Hunger, and TOMAGWA. Gifts include:

• Shoes and socks for a child in need

• A holiday gift for an elderly individual in need

• Two weeks of groceries for a family with young children

• Fully furnished bed for a needy child

• Prescription medicines for uninsured individuals for a month

The Giving Machines in Houston will provide selections from global partners including the Save the Children and Church World Services.

• One beehive to provide food and income

• Female dignity kit providing menstrual health products

WHERE: Three Giving Machines will be located at: Gallery Furniture, Nov 29 - Dec 3; Sugar Land Town Square, Dec 5 - Dec 16; Hughes Landing in The Woodlands, Dec 18 - Dec 29.

Giving Machines will be in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin plus major cities throughout the United States and around the globe, a total of 105 cities.

Since 2017, Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than $33 million in donations. An estimate 600,000 people visited Light the World Giving Machines. Giving Machines in Houston raised approximately $200,000 last year benefitting local and international charities.

Watch for special Houston 2024 events on Facebook and Instagram @givingmachineshouston.

WHEN: Giving Machines Houston will be open to the public 24/7, November 29, 2024 though Dec 29, 2024.

There will be special launch events on November, 29 2024 (details to be announced).