Giving Vending Machines Help Shoppers Donate

This holiday season, shoppers at Florida malls have a unique and convenient way to give back. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched its annual holiday giving campaign, featuring special vending machines designed to facilitate direct donations to families and nonprofits.

Donations Made Easy with ‘Giving Machines’

Three “Giving Machines” were unveiled at the Altamonte Mall in Florida on November 20th, offering a novel approach to charitable giving. These machines allow individuals to donate essential items, ranging from mobile shelters to basic necessities like underwear, with contributions as small as five dollars. Donors can choose to support local Florida families or contribute to international causes, such as providing a goat to a family in Africa.

The machines are operational through December 14th and are part of a larger initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Daniel Amato highlighted the simplicity and impact of the program, emphasizing that 100% of each donation goes directly to those in need, supporting both local and international charities.

A Global Impact, Locally Driven

The “Giving Machines” initiative has a significant global reach. Last year, the campaign placed similar machines in 107 cities across 13 countries on five continents. The three machines at Altamonte Mall alone raised over $100,000 from more than 6,400 donors during the previous holiday season, according to Light the World.

Since the first Giving Machine was introduced in 2017, over $50 million has been contributed by 2.4 million people, positively impacting millions of lives worldwide. The 2025 “Light the World” campaign also features machines in Utah, with donations supporting both local communities and global beneficiaries.

Making Giving Fun and Meaningful

Giff Nielsen, a former leader in the church’s missionary department, described the machines and campaign as a “fun and meaningful way for people to help those in need.” Shoppers can use the machines like any regular vending machine, making donations via mobile app, credit card, or debit card. This approach simplifies the process, encouraging broader participation in charitable giving during the festive period.