Light the World is the annual Christmas initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It invites everyone to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ and follow His example of caring and serving others.

Giving Machines are placed in select cities worldwide. This year’s more than 100 locations will be announced in November in the press and on GivingMachine.org.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100 percent of every contribution goes to the participating nonprofit organizations. The Church receives no financial benefit from this initiative. The Church provides each nonprofit with a summary of items donors purchased, and they have twelve months to fulfill these orders. Nonprofits may use up to ten percent of their Giving Machine receipts to cover overhead expenses, but most use nothing. If an item substitution is necessary, replacements remain in the category of the original item. Watch the video to see how your Giving Machine donations are used.

If visiting a physical Giving Machine is not feasible, you can donate directly to participating nonprofit causes at GivingMachine.org. Check the "Partners" tab on this website to learn more about the local nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area and donate to their efforts.

Giving Machines accept debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express) via tap or swipe (chip readers do not work) and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and so on).

Every participating nonprofit organization has pressing needs. We encourage individuals and families to learn about each participating charity and support those that resonate. Information about this year’s participants is found on this website under the Nonprofits tab.

Since the first Light the World Giving Machine launched in 2017, total Giving Machine contributions have exceeded $32 million.

The Giving Machines are just one way to #LightTheWorld. And you don’t have to spend money to help others one by one like Jesus did. Click here for more ideas to do good and serve others this Christmas. ​ For more information about the Light the World initiative, visit LightTheWorld.org. For more information about Giving Machines, visit GivingMachine.org.