A mother and her children choose an item to purchase from a Giving Machine in New York City’s Times Square on Nov. 27, 2023. (Credit: Provided / 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)
That’s the thought behind “Light the World Giving Machines,” or red vending machines that have been set up in various U.S. cities and elsewhere around the world by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The machines allow passersby to “purchase” items ranging from chickens and goats, blankets, hygiene kits, a hot meal for someone in need, polio vaccines, diapers, school supplies and even a community well. The items range in price from $5 to $3,500.
U.S. cities hosting the charity-focused vending machines include Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Las Vegas, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle and the Washington, D.C. area, along with cities in Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand and the Philippines.
