About Us
How do the Giving Machines Work?
Donating to charity is as easy as buying a candy bar!
The Giving Machines are large, red vending machines located inside Kansas City’s Union Station’s main hall, next to the post office. But unlike normal vending machines, the Giving Machines are not about getting, but giving.
Instead of getting yourself a candy bar or soda, you can donate to local and global charities with the push of a button. And with price-points from just a few dollars and up, it’s an easy to way for everyone to give this holiday season.
Make giving your new holiday tradition!
Frequently Asked Questions
Light the World, the annual Christmas initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invites all people to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ and follow in His footsteps by serving others.
One component of this initiative is the unique red vending machines, appropriately called Giving Machines. In partnership with Latter-day Saint Charities, Light the World Giving Machines provide a fun and memorable way for the public to give to those in need.
Rather than buying candy or snacks for oneself, Giving Machines allow people to purchase an item for someone else—across town or around the world. After the payment process is complete, a card representing the item drops into an enclosed display bin. The generous donor then leaves with a digital receipt and a feeling of joy and gratitude that no candy bar will ever equal.
Light the World Giving Machines are in select cities throughout the world. The Giving Machines KC are located inside Union Station's main hall, by the post office at 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.
Light the World Giving Machines offer a variety of essential items to assist those in need, such as food (meals and groceries), shelter, personal hygiene kits, clean water, clothing, beds, educational assistance, medical/eye/dental care, immunizations, personal development, counseling services, and even livestock (chickens, goats, pigs, or beehives).
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).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs for the Light the World Giving Machine initiative. As such, participating nonprofit organizations receive 100% of every donation to purchase and deliver your selected item(s). Participating nonprofit organizations may use up to 10% of your donation for administrative costs. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to make an item substitution to meet unexpected needs. When this occurs, replacement products or services remain in the same category as the original purchase.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generously underwrites all operating expenses for the Light the World Giving Machine initiative. This ensures that 100% of every donation is used for its intended purpose.
Donors have the opportunity to cover credit card fees if they desire. Otherwise, the Church will cover those fees.
Since the first Giving Machine launched in 2017, hundreds of thousands of people have generously contributed US$22 million to assist those in need.
Every participating Giving Machine charity represents a cause with pressing needs. Before visiting a Giving Machine (or donating online), spend a few minutes learning about the vital work of these charities. We‘re confident that a cause will resonate with you, and you will know that your gift will bless a life!
If visiting the physical Giving Machines is not feasible, you can donate directly to participating nonprofit causes.
Sharing your light with others goes far beyond a Giving Machine donation. Click here for ideas to do good and serve others this Christmas season.
- For more information about the Light the World initiative, visit LightTheWorld.org.
- For more information about Giving Machines, visit GivingMachine.org.
Giving Machines Results
2021 Results
2022 Results
$209,605.00
2023 Results
Visit the Giving Machines!
Nov 30, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025
Union Station
- 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Let's Light the World
There are many ways you can make a change for good.