Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Kick-off of the 2024 Light the World Giving Machine in Orem featuring the American Red Cross of Utah
When: Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Where: University Place, 575 E. University Parkway, Orem
OREM, Utah (Nov. 21, 2024) — 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 106 cities worldwide, including Orem, supporting the Red Cross and over 500 other charitable organizations.
Volunteers from the Red Cross of Utah will join leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ to unveil the giving machines at University Place in Orem on Monday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. Members of the media are invited to attend.
The Giving Machines offer a variety of meaningful ways to support the work of charitable organizations. Red Cross donors can choose to provide a Comfort Kit and Blanket for someone affected by disaster, supply an Infant Care Kit complete with diapers, wipes and formula for a parent in need or provide Vital Vaccines for children in vulnerable parts of the world.
“We are immensely grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for including the American Red Cross in some of their Giving Machines,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “This partnership 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, 106 locations around the world, including 31 international cities in 12 countries and cities in 33 states and the District of Columbia, will host the Giving Machines. Items cost as little as $2 to $5, and the machines accept all major credit cards and provide donation receipts for tax deductions.
In addition to Orem, available from Nov. 25 to Jan. 3, 2025, the Utah Giving Machines can be found at four locations:
The Giving Machines offer a diverse selection of over 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.
“In each location there’ll be some local organizations that will be blessed by the donations, but also our global nonprofit organizations that will be blessed,” said Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Having the opportunity to contribute to the well-being or the care of others is really gratifying and certainly the perfect way to start off the Christmas season.”
History of the Giving Machines
Since the Giving Machines first launched in Salt Lake City in 2017, nearly 2 million people have donated over $32 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 follow us on social media.
