What if you could turn a vending machine into an act of compassion? This holiday season, Treasure Valley residents will once again have that chance. The Light the World Giving Machines bring public giving to a personal level, letting people purchase items for those in need—from warm clothes to clean water—with the push of a button.
First launched in 2017, the Giving Machines are part of the “Light the World” campaign operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since then they have raised more than $33 million globally for local and international nonprofits.
Each machine is stocked with dozens of gift options (food, clothing, hygiene kits, even livestock in some cases) ranging from about $8 to $200. All donations go directly to the nonprofit selected; the Church covers operating costs so participating charities receive 100% of donations.
When & Where in 2025
This year, the machines will appear in three locations around the Treasure Valley:
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The Grove Plaza, Boise — Nov 20 through Dec 1
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Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell — Dec 2 through Dec 15
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The Village at Meridian — Dec 16 through Dec 31
In 2024, Idaho’s Giving Machines raised more than $1.3 million. With seven local nonprofits this year (up from fewer last year), organizers are hoping for bigger participation and impact.
Why It Matters in the Treasure Valley
The Giving Machines are designed to make generosity simple, visible, and transparent. Set in high-traffic plazas and gathering places, they lower barriers to giving by letting anyone—from a child to a retiree—donate with the push of a button. Each display clearly shows what the gift will provide, whether it’s diapers for a local family or clean water for a community abroad, and 100% of the cost goes directly to the chosen charity.
For local nonprofits, the machines provide more than funding. They create visibility during the holiday season, introducing their missions to people who might never have encountered them otherwise. For the community, it’s a chance to join a large-scale, festive movement that turns everyday giving into something immediate and memorable.
Local & Global Nonprofits Benefiting from the Giving Machines
Here are the local and international charities chosen for 2025, and a bit about how each contributes in the Treasure Valley.
Boys & Girls Club of Ada & Canyon Counties
Provides after-school and summer programming in health, academics, leadership to support youth in our communities. BGCAdaCanyon.org
Camp Rainbow Gold
Offers connection, joy, and healing for Idaho kids with cancer and their families; building a medical camp to serve broader nonprofit needs statewide. CampRainbowGold.org
CATCH
Works toward ending homelessness via a “housing-first” model and supports individuals and families in need across Treasure Valley.
CatchIdaho.org
Faces of Hope
Provides immediate crisis intervention, including for domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, elder abuse, etc., with no cost or strings attached. FacesOfHopeIdaho.org
Foster + Heart
Focuses on supporting children awaiting foster care, with an emphasis on keeping siblings together and easing transitions. FosterAndHeart.org
Hope House
Offers stable homes and education for children from challenging family situations, including failed adoptions; helps restore a sense of belonging. HopeHouseInc.org
Idaho Diaper Bank
Supplies free diapers to families who can’t afford them, helping relieve one of the basic but often overlooked burdens of parenting. IdahoDiaperBank.org
Lifting Hands International
Provides aid such as housing, security, and humanitarian relief globally, often in refugee or crisis-affected areas. LiftingHandsInternational.org
American Red Cross
Offers emergency response, disaster relief, and support for families in crises both locally and internationally. RedCross.org