Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
OREM, Utah (April 2, 2025) — The Orem community came together this holiday season to make a significant impact, donating nearly $150,000 to the American Red Cross through the Light the World Giving Machines. These innovative, charity-focused vending machines, organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allowed residents to give meaningful gifts that provided comfort kits, infant care items and vital vaccines to those in need.
“Our residents opened their hearts through the Light the World Giving Machines and donated to the American Red Cross and other charities to help our community and communities across the world,” said Orem Mayor David Young. “We are proud of our partnership with the Red Cross. Many of our residents support their mission by donating blood, volunteering and contributing in meaningful ways.”
The Giving Machines presented a unique way to support the work of charitable organizations. Orem residents could donate a Comfort Kit and Blanket to someone affected by a disaster, an Infant Care Kit complete with diapers, wipes, and formula to a parent in need, or Vital Vaccines to protect children in vulnerable parts of the world. Through their generosity, Orem residents purchased a total of 5,909 Red Cross items worth $148,927, which included:
“The people of Orem demonstrated an incredible spirit of generosity through the Light the World Giving Machine donations,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Our partnership with Orem embodies a shared vision of service and compassion for those in need. Together, we’ve extended our reach and impact, bringing hope and support to countless lives.”
A Global Impact
This year, the Light the World Giving Machines were available in 107 locations worldwide, including 31 international cities spanning 13 countries, alongside cities in 33 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Collectively, the Giving Machines raised $16 million to support 450 nonprofit organizations.
The Giving Machines offered a diverse range of over 1,200 items for donation, tailored to meet the needs identified by vetted local and international nonprofits. Gifts included meals, groceries, healthcare services, education resources, job training, and agricultural goods such as chickens, goats, beehives, and other livestock.
Utah hosted five Giving Machine locations in Orem, Salt Lake City, Logan, St. George and Ogden. Not all charities were represented in every machine, but the Red Cross was featured in Orem.
The Giving Machines’ Legacy
Since their launch in Salt Lake City in 2017, the Giving Machines have raised over $50 million through donations made by more than 2 million people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all administrative costs associated with the machines, including credit card transaction fees, ensuring that 100% of every donation goes directly to the participating charities.
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.
