Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Kick-off of the 2025 Light the World Giving Machine in Reno featuring the Red Cross of Northern Nevada
When: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: RC Willey, 1201 Steamboat Parkway, Reno
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 9, 2025) — This holiday season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is bringing its Light the World Giving Machines to Reno, offering a unique and meaningful way to give back. These charity-focused vending machines, now in 126 cities across 21 countries, provide an opportunity to support the American Red Cross and over 500 other nonprofit organizations.
The Reno Giving Machine will be unveiled at RC Willey Home Furnishings on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Volunteers from the Red Cross of Northern Nevada will join leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ to celebrate the launch. Members of the media are invited to attend this special event. The Reno Giving Machine will be available at RC Willey through Jan. 2, 2026.
How the Giving Machines Work
The Giving Machines allow donors to purchase tangible items that directly benefit individuals and families in need. For the American Red Cross, donors can choose to provide:
“We are immensely grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for including the American Red Cross in their Giving Machines,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving others and making a real difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.”
Global Reach and Local Impact
Since their launch in 2017, the Giving Machines have raised nearly $50 million, with 100% of donations going directly to participating nonprofits. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, ensuring every dollar donated makes an impact.
This year, the Giving Machines are expanding to nine new countries, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Spain and Thailand. Across all locations, donors can choose from over 4,000 unique items, ranging from meals and shelter to healthcare services, educational resources and even livestock like chickens, goats and beehives.
Locally, donations through the Giving Machines enable the Red Cross to provide critical support to those in need across Northern Nevada. Over the past year, Northern Nevada Red Cross volunteers responded to nearly 100 home fires, assisting more than 500 people, and deployed to support every major disaster the Red Cross responded to nationwide.
A Shared Vision of Service
The Giving Machines are part of the Church’s Light the World Initiative, which began in 2016 to inspire acts of kindness and service during the holiday season.
Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Church’s Relief Society General Presidency emphasized the importance of collaboration in making these efforts possible. “We cannot do this on our own. It’s only together that we can make a difference. Whether we’re a nonprofit or an individual, we all have the opportunity to help and offer acts of kindness to those in need,” she said.
For more information about how to support the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org/gift.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
