By Tiffany Kinniebrew, American Red Cross volunteer

What began as a Season of Compassion came to life on December 2 at Tyler Mall in Riverside, where community members, faith leaders and local dignitaries gathered to support humanitarian causes across Riverside County at a launch event for Light the World Giving Machines. Through a partnership led by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and local charitable organizations—including the American Red Cross—the event focused on raising awareness and encouraging community support for organizations serving those in need.

The launch event featured two charitable vending machines, each offering community members a tangible way to give. The machines represented multiple nonprofit organizations, allowing participants to select specific items or contributions that directly support humanitarian services. With each Giving Machine offering the ability to provide clothing, shelter, health care, education and more, community members had the unique opportunity to select causes close to their heart. Among the organizations represented was the Red Cross, whose mission to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies aligns closely with the event’s spirit of compassion and service.

Lois Beckman, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Riverside County shared brief remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration and community engagement in addressing local needs. She underscored the core vision and mission of the Red Cross, emphasizing the impact of the partnership between the Red Cross and the Riverside Chapter of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “These Giving Machines remind us that generosity is powerful. By connecting community members with trusted nonprofit partners like the Red Cross, Light the World Giving Machines create a simple, meaningful way to make a real difference both locally and globally.”

Many representatives with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Riverside County were in attendance, underscoring the church’s commitment to service and community outreach. The event was emceed by retired KNBC journalist Chuck Henry, who guided the program and helped frame the evening around unity, generosity and action. Attendees also heard remarks from Riverside Mayor Patricia Dawson, along with other local dignitaries, who acknowledged the role of community partnerships in supporting vital humanitarian work. Speakers highlighted how collaborative efforts between faith-based organizations, nonprofits and civic leaders help build a stronger, more resilient community.

For the Red Cross, participation in the event represented more than visibility—it reflected the power of partnership in advancing the organization’s mission. Community support plays a critical role in enabling the Red Cross to deliver disaster response, preparedness education and recovery assistance throughout Riverside County and beyond. Events like this one help connect residents with the mission and remind the community that preparedness and compassion go hand in hand.

Contributions from the vending machines and community participation directly supported the organizations involved, reinforcing the impact that small acts of generosity can have when multiplied across a community. The Giving Machines launch event served as a reminder of the shared values that unite diverse organizations and leaders. Compassion, service, and readiness were common themes throughout the evening, reflecting a collective commitment to supporting neighbors before, during and after times of crisis. By bringing together faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, and civic representatives in a public setting, the event demonstrated how collaboration can transform goodwill into meaningful action.

While the Season of Compassion officially launched on December 2, its impact will continue through the services it supports and the lives it touches. The Red Cross remains grateful for community partnerships that help ensure help and hope are always within reach. As the organization continues its work across Riverside County, events like this reinforce the importance of standing together—ready to respond, prepared to serve and committed to compassion.

You can help the Red Cross continue to advance this important humanitarian work by making a financial donation, giving blood, or becoming a volunteer.