Giving Machines give hope to hundreds of thousands of people — here are the numbers

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “Light the World” giving machines allowed over 800,000 people to “love one another” last holiday season.

The church said Wednesday that over 850,000 people donated over 490,000 items to people worldwide. The church also said that since the start of the Giving Machine initiative in 2017, people have donated around $50 million in food, vaccinations, hygiene kits, and more.

“My wife and I want our kids to experience the joy of giving. Watching them choose a chicken, a book, or a baby blanket for someone else was a powerful lesson for them to learn. I’m so proud of my kids for sacrificing what little they have and loving it,” one father told the Church in a press statement.

Some of the highlights the church gave were:

• 2 million meals will feed the hungry.
• 500,000 children will be vaccinated against polio and measles.
• 125,000 refugees will receive emergency food boxes.
• 106,000 chickens, goats, and beehives will provide food and jobs for thousands of families and villagers.
• 48,000 children and adults will receive essentials such as a warm jacket, shoes and socks, clothing for job interviews and school uniforms.
• 43,000 children and adults will further their education and job skills with books, school supplies, financial assistance, scholarships, tutoring and more.
• 14,000 hygiene kits will be distributed to refugees, young girls and others.
• 10,200 individuals and families will receive groceries and produce for up to a month.

Giving Machines appeared in Hong Kong and Kenya for the first time, marking the first time giving machines have been there on each continent.

“The annual Light the World Giving Machine initiative is a living miracle,” Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in a press release.

According to the Church, some 450 nonprofits participated in this year’s initiative — more than all previous years combined.

Many people are overjoyed to be impacted by these donations.

“Washing my baby with clean water ensured he would not get sick. It gave me great peace of mind. It is wonderful having clean water here. To the person who made this possible, thank you,” a new mother from Mozambique said.

Every donation is used to bring the items purchased by donors to the recipients.

“The Light the World Giving Machine initiative will continue in the 2025 Christmas season,” the church says. If you want to learn more about the initiative, please visit GivingMachine.org to see more.