Light the World Giving Machines make giving easy and fun this Christmas.
Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family, or job training for the underemployed?
From December 10th through January 1st, visitors at McAllen Food Park (10 N. Broadway St.) can purchase essential items like these from a Light the World Giving Machine to help those in need here in McAllen or throughout the world. This is the first time a Giving Machine will be hosted in McAllen.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10 (today).
Many people are excited for the Giving Machines to finally come down to McAllen.
“During the Christmas season many of us have a desire to serve our community more intentionally, just like the Savior did. One of the many ways we can do this is through the Giving Machines – the vending machine that helps you give locally and internationally to those in need,” said Emily Holbrook.
Lara Hess is excited for her children to experience the Giving Machine this year since they have never lived close to one. She hopes it will help her children donate to a cause that is important to them.
This year, Giving Machines will appear in more than 131 cities worldwide (11 locations just in Texas), providing a fun, unique, and memorable way to do an instant act of kindness for someone in need.
The Giving Machine is part of the annual Light the World initiative, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church covers all operational expenses, enabling participating nonprofit organizations to receive one hundred percent of every donation.
The nonprofits featured in the McAllen Giving Machines include Capable Kids; CASA for Children; Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.; Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley; South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association; Church World Service; and Water for Good.
Rebecca Gearheart, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation in the Rio Grande Valley, said “When you give, you’re not just donating – you’re helping a child feel joy, strength, and possibility. Every dollar truly makes magic happen!”
With donated funds, nonprofits participating in the Giving Machine have delivered hundreds of thousands of items worldwide.
Other locations throughout the world have different organizations or items you can donate. For instance, you can donate a goat, a chicken, eye exams, toys, education, and more. If you can’t make it to the McAllen location, or another location near you if you aren’t in the Valley (or don’t want to make the drive), you can visit the website and donate online directly to a charitable cause of your choice.
Visit Instagram.com/TexasGivingMachine and Facebook.com/TexasGivingMachine for a list of events happening at McAllen Giving Machines at the McAllen Food Park. There will be a special celebration on opening day.
To learn more about this global Initiative, visit GivingMachine.org. The Giving Machine first appeared in 2017, and more than $44 million has been contributed.
