ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – This isn’t your typical vending machine — it’s The Light the World Giving Machine, giving-focused vending machines sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set up inside the Altamonte Springs Mall.
Shoppers can purchase items like moving kits, mobile shelters and more to donate directly to families and organizations. The machines also help raise money for local and international charities and nonprofits.
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Dozens of people gathered and sang at the mall as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled three Giving Machines during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. A Giving Machine is essentially a vending machine that lets people donate specific items to nonprofits while learning more about how their contribution will be used. Gifts start at just $5, and 100% of the donation goes to charity.
Elder Daniel Amato, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explained the impact, saying, “With as little as five dollars to fifty dollars, you can donate something as simple as underwear to a homeless shelter here in Florida. You can also donate a goat to a family in Africa.”
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The three Giving Machines placed in the Altamonte Mall during the holiday season collected more than $100,000 from over 6,400 people, according to Light the World. And there’s still time to help someone in need — the machines will remain open through December 14.
In 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints placed the Giving Machine in 107 cities across 13 countries on five continents. Since the Church launched the first Giving Machine in 2017, 2.4 million people have donated more than $50 million, blessing millions of lives.