Merry and Bright, Make Holiday Giving Unforgettable: From Dec. 6-18, St. Louis community residents and supporters can tap into a vending machine at West County Center that allow users to donate items such as medicine, clothing, baby supplies, text books, eye exams and livestock for people in need.
This charity 'Light the World Giving Machine' vending device, located on the center's second floor, dispenses hope and joy by featuring items to donate through five local and global charities. With the swipe of credit cards, donors can give hot meals, warm shoes, fresh water, school supplies, a soccer ball, jump ropes and even goats, chickens or fish.
The machines work by users choosing one item, inserting a payment card, donors receiving a donation receipt and then the donations are sent to the identified charities.
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machine is part of the Light the World campaign. It provides an instant act of service for people interested in helping those in their community and around the world during the holiday season. Organizers state that 100% of all donations go directly to the participating charities, due to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covering Giving Machine operating costs.
Since 2017, the Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than $22 million for charities.
The St. Louis metropolitan region is one of 108 cities worldwide to host Light the World Giving Machines in 2024. Five local charities will benefit from donors:
- St. Louis Area Foodbank
- Crisis Nursery of Saint Louis
- International Institute
- St. Patrick Center
- Friends of Kathy J. Weinman Shelter
Giving Machine also is supported by celebrities, such as Travis Kelce and Paul Rudd.
Vend Joy To The World: A machine with a heart. Five local charities. Thirty items. Countless lives changed.