TO help more Filipinos in need, the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines has expanded to a third location in Davao City. This marks the first time the initiative has reached Mindanao since its launch in 2017.
Last November 14, 2024, the Giving Machines at the 3rd Floor Extension Wing of Ayala Malls Abreeza were warmly received by Davaoeños, gathering thousands of donations on their first day. Two days later, on November 16, the machines at Robinsons Galleria Cebu were also launched, beginning their new chapter of service in the Visayas.
On November 23, 2024, the initiative reached Luzon once again with the launch of the Giving Machines at Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City. Beneficiaries for this location include HERO Foundation, TV5 Alagang Kapatid, and Caritas Manila.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, represented by Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor of the Philippines Area Leadership, expressed gratitude to all partners and government officials who made the installation of the machines possible in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “The Giving Machines remind me of a wonderful phrase in the Book of Acts that describes the Savior: ‘He went about doing good.’ We feel delighted to partner with you in helping to improve the lives of so many others,” Elder Strong said.
What is #LightTheWorld?
Each Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the birth and life of Jesus Christ through the #LightTheWorld initiative, inviting people to follow His example by caring for others, one by one, throughout the Christmas season.
A Global Impact of Giving
Since the initiative began in 2017, the Giving Machines have raised over $32 million worldwide across 61 locations to benefit charitable organizations. In the Philippines, the machines were first introduced in 2018 and have since expanded to Davao, Cebu, and Manila. There are now Giving Machines in 106 locations across 13 countries and five continents.
In 2023, over PHP 700,000 was collected from more than 4,500 donors at machines installed in TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, and near the Manila Philippines Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ in Quezon City. Additionally, the Church donated PHP 500,000 to each of the six charitable organizations, totaling PHP 3.7 million in nationwide donations.
How the Giving Machines Work
The Giving Machines provide a unique experience, functioning as vending machines with a twist: each purchase is a donation to a local charity partner. These machines allow people to offer immediate acts of service, with 100 percent of each donation supporting the items purchased or similar essential needs. All administrative costs for the initiative are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In the past, donations made through Giving Machines in the Philippines were only made using cash. Starting in 2023, donors were given the option to donate via cash or e-payment alternatives, including GCash and AliPay, making it easier to make cashless donations.
Charities and Items Available for Donation
Each Giving Machine location partners with select charities to ensure donations have a meaningful and direct local impact. In Davao, the charity partners include the Mabuhay Foundation, UNICEF Philippines, and Ateneo de Davao University. In Cebu, partners include Cebu Caritas, Feed the Children, and UNICEF Philippines.
In TriNoma, donors can support HERO Foundation, TV5 Alagang Kapatid, and Caritas Manila, with items for donation ranging from educational supplies and hygiene kits to other essential resources. All proceeds go directly to the chosen charities, allowing participants to see exactly how their donations are making a difference.
How to Help
After donating, visitors can also support the initiative by sharing their Giving Machine experiences with friends and family and on social media to inspire others to donate. The machines offer a powerful opportunity to brighten the Christmas season for those in need and those who give.
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