Expanded locations, mobile versions and generous givers to the Light the World Giving Machines during the 2022 Christmas season means millions of people worldwide will be blessed in 2023.

The Giving Machines — located in 28 cities and across six countries — drew an estimated 425,000 donors from November through the first of January, according to a report published March 21 on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

From those donations:

• More than 3.2 million healthy meals, and 13,000 boxes of fresh produce, will feed the hungry.
• Nearly 32,000 children will receive school supplies and class instruction, including 2,900 scholarships for tuition and housing.
• More than 516,000 children will be vaccinated against polio and measles.
• More than 38,000 chickens, 25,000 ducks and 3,700 beehives will provide families with long-term nutrition and income potential.

“In 2022, Light the World Giving Machines were in more cities than ever. From New York to Australia and Guatemala to Canada, people came by thousands, with family, friends, and neighbors, to experience what only Giving Machines can provide,” said Karl Cheney, program manager.

Throughout those locations, 125 local and global nonprofit organizations participated and will use the donated funds to fulfill every donor’s purchased item. The Church covered all operational costs.

Mobile Giving Machines

Two young girls visit the Light the World Mobile Giving Machine during its stay in Atlanta, Georgia, the third of a five-stop tour to cities in the southeastern United States, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Besides expanding to more cities and countries in 2022, the Arizona Giving Machines traveled through three Arizona cities and the Mobile Giving Machine went to five cities in the southeastern United States.

At the Mobile Giving Machine, for example, more than 13,000 items were purchased to benefit one global charity and eight local charities.

Mayor John Tecklenburg of Charleston, South Carolina, remarked on the amount of donations. “I do believe that God has a mission and a plan for us all, and I do believe as a community, collectively, that we are judged by how we treat those in need in our community. And if that is true, we are hitting a home run today,” he said.

And Annsley Banks, the volunteer and donations coordinator for the Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency, said she was stunned by the increased ability her agency how has to give to those in need.

“It is such an incredibly impressive number of pillows and blankets that are going to go to people who only come here with what they can carry. A pillow and blanket provide comfort. It’s going to change lives,” she said.

How much have Giving Machines raised over the years?

A check is delivered to Loaves and Fishes in Charlotte, North Carolina, in March 2023. During Christmas, donations were collected from the Light the World Mobile Giving Machine for nearly 340 weeks of groceries and 2,800 jars of peanut butter.

When the 2022 Giving Machine locations were announced last November, the Church said total contributions since the machines debut in 2017 had reached over $15 million over the first five years. That total after the 2022 campaign now exceeds $22 million.

Reflecting on those receiving assistance, Sharon Eubank, director of Humanitarian Services for the Church, said, “Not a single person could be cared for without each Giving Machine participant. Their loving and unselfish gifts are miraculous.”

She continued, “As a Church, we are blessed to sponsor this inspired initiative and extend our sincere gratitude to all who make it happen. I cannot think of a greater gift we could offer others than to feed, clothe, educate, and shelter our brothers and sisters in need. It is what our Savior Jesus Christ did and what He asks us to do.”

Preparations are underway for Giving Machines to come back in the 2023 Christmas season, with locations and dates to be announced later.

Where were the Giving Machines in 2022?

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson makes a purchase at a Giving Machine in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 16, 2022. Next to her is her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson, and behind them is Elder Rodney A. Ames, an Area Seventy.

Irene Gallegos

For 2022, “permanent” Giving Machine locations were located in the following 20 cities:

• Brisbane, Australia
• Calgary, Alberta
• Cebu City, Philippines
• Denver, Colorado
• Glendale, Arizona
• Gilbert, Arizona
• Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Houston, Texas
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Manila, Philippines
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Nashville, Tennessee
• New York City, New York
• Orem, Utah
• Sacramento, California
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Seattle, Washington
• Washington, D.C.

The mobile experience was offered in the following locations in 2022:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Gila Valley, Arizona
• St. Augustine, Florida
• Tucson, Arizona

Who were the global nonprofits for the 2022 Giving Machines?

Sara Altalef with Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir and Elder Roberto González, Area Seventy, unwrap a Giving Machine in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on Dec. 1, 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• African Girls Hope Foundation
• American Red Cross
• Church World Service
• International Development Enterprises
• Lifting Hands International
• Mentors International
• UNHCR
• UNICEF
• Water For People
• World Food Program

More information could be found at LightTheWorld.org during the 2022 Christmas season. There was also a link for those who wanted to participate online at LightTheWorld.org/give.