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 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 four local charities – Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Houston ToolBank, and Sole Mission. Gifts include:

• Two pair of shoes for a child in need

• Meals for a homebound senior for a day

• Diapers for 2 weeks for a single mom

• Feed a homebound senior’s pet for a month

• One claw hammer

• Provide swim lessons and swimsuit for a refugee woman

The Giving Machines in Houston will provide selections from global partners including the American Red Cross, African Girls Hope and Church World Services.

• One milk goat

• Menstrual health products

• Vital vaccines

• African girl schooling

• Infant care kit

WHERE: Three Giving Machines are located at: Conservatory Food Hall, 606 Dennis Street, Houston, TX 77006.

Giving Machines will be in 61 cities across the globe including Chicago, Nashville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. Houston was the first Texas city to receive Giving Machines.

Since 2017, Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than $22 million in donations. An estimate 425,000 people visited Light the World Giving Machines. Giving Machines in Houston raised more than $207,000 last year benefitting local and international charities.

Watch for special Houston 2023 events on Facebook and Instagram @givingmachineshouston.

WHEN: Giving Machines Houston will be open to the public 24/7, November 20, 2023 though January 1, 2024.

There will be special launch events on November, 20 2023 (details to be announced).