This Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites everyone to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ while extending a loving hand to those in need. We are excited to bring back the Light The World Giving Machines to the Philippines.
These unique "giving-focused" vending machines add a fun and spiritual dimension to the shopping and gift-giving season. Unlike regular vending machines, the Giving Machines dispense valuable and affordable product cards that facilitate acts of service for fellow Filipinos in need, allowing the public to instantly participate in the joy of caring.
With the generosity of our location partners, a Giving Machine will be hosted by Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City, launching on November 9, 2023, at 11:00 AM on Level 4, near Cinema 1. In Cebu, another Giving Machine will be hosted by Ayala Center Cebu, launching on November 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM on Level 3 (between Casa Verde and Dessert Factory). All Giving Machines will be available during mall hours until January 1, 2024. This year's items available through the Giving Machines include food packs, hygiene kits, educational materials, student financial aid, emergency and repair kits, multivitamins, eyeglasses and eye-care packages, medical kits, water kits, crutches, wheelchairs, immunization packages, and psychosocial support, among others.
Unlike previous years, donors now have the option to contribute via cash or e-payment alternatives, including GCash and AliPay, making cashless donations easier. The Church covers all operational costs for every donated item made through the Giving Machines, ensuring that 100 percent of every donation goes to the recipients identified by our participating nonprofit organizations, including Caritas Manila, Caritas Cebu, Feed The Children, Inc., HERO Foundation, Inc., Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, and UNICEF.
As a special gift for select donors this year, some product cards inside the Manila Giving Machines will contain unique Tabernacle Choir stickers. Donors can trade these stickers for special tickets for the upcoming February 2024 concert of the Choir in the Philippines.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is a world-renowned choir established in 1847 that has performed at many prestigious events, including US Presidential inaugurations. Currently, the Choir is on its first-ever world tour, with the Philippines as its second stop after Mexico. Since 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has hosted Giving Machines in the Philippines, one of only six countries worldwide to do so every Christmas season. To date, the Giving Machines have collected over US$22 million in donations for beneficiaries across the globe.
Each Christmas season, the Church’s #LightTheWorld initiative invites all people to follow the loving example of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Light of The World, by caring for individuals one by one.
The Church hopes to inspire people to find unique ways to love, share, and invite one another to light the world. As individuals around the globe inspire and support one another in embodying the radiant teachings of Christ, His illuminating light and boundless love will more profoundly touch the lives of those in search of healing, hope, and authentic joy.
FIND OUT MORE:
What is #LightTheWorld?
Every Christmas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the birth and life of Jesus Christ through the #LightTheWorld initiative. The initiative encourages people to follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, by caring for individuals one by one throughout December.
What makes these vending machines unique?
As part of the #LightTheWorld initiative, individuals can perform an instant service at special vending machines called Giving Machines. Instead of every donor receiving an item for themselves, Giving Machines are designed to provide for those in need.
Whom do the donations benefit?
Each Giving Machine will offer much-needed items for purchase from various local and global charity partners. The vending machines will meticulously account for all donations, ensuring the amount purchased goes to each charity.
How is my money used?
One hundred percent of your donation will be used for the purchased item or similar items or services of greater need, as determined by the applicable charitable organization. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers administrative costs for this initiative.
How long will the Giving Machines be available in the malls?
The machines will be accessible from the date of the launch until January 1, 2024.
How can I help with this initiative?
Sharing your Giving Machine experience with friends and family, as well as posting about the machines on your social media accounts and channels can inspire people to give and help others.