Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 24, 2023) — This holiday season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is making it easier than ever to donate to the American Red Cross. Their “Giving Machines,” donation-focused vending machines, are now in 55 cities worldwide, including Salt Lake City and Orem, supporting the Red Cross and over 370 other charitable organizations.
The Giving Machines offer a variety of meaningful ways to support the work of charitable organizations. Red Cross donors can choose to provide a hot meal and additional snacks for someone affected by disaster, supply an Infant Care Kit complete with diapers, wipes and formula for a parent in need or provide a day of shelter and food to a person impacted by disaster.
“We are immensely grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for including the American Red Cross in their innovative Giving Machines,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “This collaboration goes beyond just fundraising – it resonates with our shared vision of service and commitment to helping others. Through this partnership, we can extend our reach and impact, making a real difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.”
Local and global reach
This year, 61 locations around the world, including 14 international cities and 41 cities in the United States, will host the Giving Machines. Items cost as little as $3, and the machines accept all major credit cards and provide donation receipts for tax deductions.
The Utah Giving Machines were unveiled on Tuesday and will be accepting donations until Jan. 1, 2024. The machines can be found at two area locations:
The Giving Machines offer a diverse selection of 1,200 unique items across all locations. These items, requested by vetted local and international nonprofits, range from meals, groceries and shelter to healthcare services, education resources and job training. Additionally, patrons can support agriculture by donating crops and livestock, such as chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, sheep and beehives.
“We all want the same thing for our families and for our friends and those that we dearly love. We want them to be safe. We want them to be healthy and strong, and to have access to good food and clean water,” said Amy A. Wright, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “The Giving Machines are a beautiful reminder that it takes all of us to make that happen.”
History of the Giving Machines
Since the Giving Machines first launched in Salt Lake City in 2017, 1.5 million people have donated over $22 million. The Church covers all operational expenses, including credit card fees, ensuring that participating nonprofits receive 100% of the donations.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.