SALT LAKE CITY—As the holiday season begins, shoppers are out and about trying to find that perfect gift. In other parts of the world Christmas looks very different. A pair of new shoes, food, clean water, healthcare – those are the gifts that will make a difference to those in need.

However, there is a way to help. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched its Light of the World Giving Machines, kiosks where people can purchase goats, pigs, shelter, hygiene kits and much more that will reach those around the world who need it most. 

The Church covers all operating costs, ensuring that 100% of each donation goes directly to the participating nonprofits. The Church does not receive any financial benefit from the initiative, according to a Church news release.  

“As you know for nearly a decade, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has invited the whole human family to share their light during the Christmas Season,” said Aaron Sherinian, managing director of the Communication Department. “This local call encourages us to follow the example of Jesus Christ more intentionally by loving and serving others. One of the many ways that we can do this is through the Light of the World Giving Machine initiative.”

These familiar red machines work in reverse, he said. “Instead of receiving something for yourself you give something to others.”

“As we share abundantly with others, we experience an abundance of light and joy in our hearts and homes,” said Elder Matthew S. Holland of the Seventy. “This is the true Christmas experience.”

From shoes and clothing to nutritious meals, crops, livestock and access to shelter, donations made through the Giving Machine initiative are transformative, he said. “Since 2017, millions of items have been donated via the Giving Machine initiative valued at nearly $50 million U.S. But more important than that number are the lives that are impacted.”

With every visit to a Giving Machine Holland said his hope is that people will learn about the realities that others face and see how their contribution, whatever it is, makes a difference in someone’s life.

“It’s so fun to think about how what begins as a three-to-five minute experience in front of one of these machines turned into a lifetime change for a family or even just one young woman,” said Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman. “That’s such an amazing and remarkable thing for all of us to be able to participate in.”

“It actually pairs the gifts from the Giving Machine with business mentoring so that families can start a business and have an ongoing source of income for their families,” said Ana Peña of Mentors International’s leadership team. “One of my favorite stories is Miriam from Nicaragua. She and her family were really struggling to make ends meet and she was the primary caretaker for her three kids so she couldn’t go to work outside of the home.”

She really wanted to start something in her home so that she could care for her family and have her business, said Peña. “Through the machine she received some chickens and ended up starting to raise and sell chickens from her backyard, starting a business with support from her mentor she was able to build that business and really transform her life and her children’s lives.”

“We have so many wonderful participating nonprofits that are part of this work,” said Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency. “We are so grateful to work with them in this effort. There are many hands that are part of this. We cannot do this on our own. It’s only together that we can do this. So together, let us light the world this season and bring the Savior’s love, light and relief to those around us through thoughtful acts of service.”

The kiosks will be in 126 cities, in 21 countries and on six continents this December. The full list of cities can be found at givingmachine.org.