Maybe a goat isn’t on your Christmas wish list, but for someone else, it could transform their entire family’s life. This spirit of personalized, meaningful giving defines the Giving Machines initiative, part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual Light the World campaign.
The Giving Machines are both simple and brilliant. Modeled after traditional vending machines, they allow participants to purchase items that directly benefit others. From clean water to school supplies, hygiene kits, and even goats, these machines make it easy to give purposeful gifts to people in need during the holiday season. With just a few taps, one can contribute in a way that is both easy and impactful. The Giving Machines are both simple and brilliant.
At a recent media event announcing the new locations, I was struck by the joy and energy in the room. Children like Lucy Howcroft took center stage, proudly announcing the cities where new machines would be installed. Lucy, a young girl whose service project earned her the honor of participating, glowed with excitement as she played her part in this global initiative. It was a touching reminder of how service empowers even the youngest among us to make a difference.
As I stood among other media representatives learning about the initiative, I found myself marveling at the profound simplicity of it all. These bright red machines, placed in bustling urban centers, transform the act of giving into something tangible and immediate. You don’t just donate money—you buy a goat for a family in a developing country or provide books for a child eager to learn. At the heart of it, it allows us to give in such Christlike ways—personal and specific.
A Global Milestone
This year, the Giving Machines have reached an exciting milestone: they’ve gone global. The program has grown exponentially since it began in 2017, with the launch of one machine. Five locations were added the next year; that number doubled by 2021, and last year, 2023, the number grew to 61, expanding to 106 locations in 100 different cities around the world this year. Not one near enough for you? You can take part in the fun online as well.
This growth reflects the expanding global reach of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose membership is increasingly diverse. Today, approximately 60% of members live outside the United States, with significant populations in countries like Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines. The expansion of the Giving Machines mirrors the Church’s commitment to serving communities worldwide and making giving accessible to everyone, no matter where they live.
Since that beginning in 2017, the Giving Machines have engaged nearly 2 million participants who have collectively donated over $32 million. Every penny of these donations goes directly to those in need, thanks to the Church’s commitment to covering all administrative and operational costs. That kind of transparency and efficiency make this initiative not only innovative but also deeply trustworthy.
Beyond the staggering numbers—millions of participants and tens of millions of dollars—the real impact of the Giving Machines lies in the lives they touch. Every goat purchased, every meal provided, every well dug represents a family whose burdens are eased and whose hope is restored. The needs don’t disappear when the decorations come down.
It might be easy to get swept up in the excitement of holiday giving, but the true challenge lies in making it a part of our daily lives. The Giving Machines are not just about the items you purchase—they’re also about hopefully inspiring a lifestyle of love and service. Push a button to buy a child some glasses, and you will see. This initiative reminds us that while the holiday season provides a special opportunity to give, the needs they address don’t disappear when the decorations come down. Caring for those in need, as Christ did during His mortal ministry, is a monumental effort that requires many hands, and consistent and ongoing commitment. Through LDS Charities, we can find a number of ways to participate all year round.
The Giving Machines are not merely a creative fundraising tool; they are a reflection of the Savior’s teachings and attributes regarding service and compassion. Through these machines, we can extend a hand, just as Christ taught us to care for “the least of these.” Whether it’s a goat, a pair of shoes, or a warm blanket, every item purchased represents a tangible expression of care to someone. And while the machines themselves are seasonal, the spirit they inspire can—if we allow it—last all year long. Because the world doesn’t just need more goats—it needs more people willing to light it.
