Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 13, 2025) — This holiday season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is making it easier than ever to give back through their Light the World Giving Machines. These charity-focused vending machines, now in 126 cities, including seven Utah cities, across 21 countries and six continents, provide a unique and meaningful way to support the American Red Cross and over 500 other nonprofit organizations.
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 Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “This partnership goes beyond fundraising—it 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
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 Giving Machines, there are over 4,000 unique items available, ranging from meals and shelter to healthcare services, educational resources, and even livestock like chickens, goats, and beehives.
Since their launch in 2017, the Giving Machines have raised nearly $50 million, with 100% of donations going directly to the participating nonprofits. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, ensuring every dollar donated makes an impact.
A Shared Vision of Service
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.
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.
Support the Red Cross
Donations through the Giving Machines enable the Red Cross to provide critical support to those in need across Southern Nevada and beyond. Over the past year, Southern Nevada Red Cross volunteers responded to nearly 160 home fires, assisting more than 725 people, and deployed to support every major disaster the Red Cross responded to nationwide.
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.
