A Light the World Giving Machine, photo by the LDS church
published on October 22, 2025 – 3:05 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
Fresno residents will have a unique way to give to those less fortunate this holiday season in the form of vending machines for donors to purchase meaningful gifts for families in need.
The Light the World Giving Machines allow people to donate tangible items to families in need both locally and around the world. Providing donors with the opportunity to donate everything from holiday meals and emergency shelters and school supplies to “grief retreats,” refugee health kits and education opportunities, the initiative partners with local and global charities who receive 100% of each donation made.
The machines, coined as “the best change that can come from a vending machine,” resemble standard user-operated vending machines, providing donors with a display featuring their donation. Upon purchase, donors will receive a card showing the item donated as well as a digital receipt.
This year’s local participating charities include FIRM (Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries), Poverello House, Family Healing Center, Catholic Charities and Hinds LifeCare. International charities include Mentors International and USA for UNHCR.
Fresno’s Light the World Giving Machine is located inside the River Park Shopping Center between PINK and White House Black Market.
Light the World is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual Christmas initiative, inviting participants to carry on the example of the birth and life of Jesus Christ by serving others.
The church covers 100% of all operating costs, leaving the entirety of each contribution to participating nonprofits. The church also provides each nonprofit with a summary of items purchased by donors; participating nonprofits have 12 months to fulfill orders.
Since its launch in 2017 Giving Machine contributions exceed $48 million.