Light the World Giving Machines: what they are and where to find them
Red kiosks where you buy a gift for someone in need instead of a snack. Here are quick answers to the most common questions, with official sources.
What are Light the World Giving Machines?
Light the World Giving Machines are red kiosks that work like vending machines in reverse: instead of buying something for yourself, you buy a needed item, like a meal, clothing, health care or school supplies, for someone else through a participating nonprofit (official page). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating costs, so 100% of each donation goes to the nonprofit (official page). Newsroom says the machines return for the 2026 Christmas season (Church Newsroom).
Related guides
Is the Giving Machine from the Mormon church?
Yes. Giving Machines are part of Light the World, a Christmas invitation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by sharing His light through acts of kindness (lighttheworld.org). The Church asks that its full name be used rather than “Mormon church” (Newsroom style guide). Anyone can give at a machine; you don’t need to be a member.
What is the 777 code on a Giving Machine?
Typing 777 buys one of every item in that machine. Church Newsroom puts it this way: “Patrons can type in 777 to purchase one of everything in a machine” (Church Newsroom, 2023). Groups sometimes save up together for this “777 Challenge” (Church magazine).
Giving Machine items and prices
Items are grouped as clothing, shelter, health care, education and more (official page). Past machines offered meals, groceries, bedding, hygiene kits, job training, crops and livestock such as chickens, goats, pigs and beehives (Church Newsroom, 2023). In 2025, more than 500 nonprofits offered over 3,200 different items (Church Newsroom). Each kiosk shows its own prices. We haven’t found an official 2026 price list, so we don’t list prices here.
How do you pay?
In most places the kiosks take credit and debit cards and mobile payment. In a few countries cash is also accepted (official page). If a nonprofit has to swap an item to meet an urgent need, the replacement stays in the same category (official page).
Giving Machine locations 2026: is there one near me?
Use the official locations finder on GivingMachine.org. Each city posts its own dates as the season starts. As of November 4, 2026, we’ve seen 2026 dates posted officially for Tokyo (December 1 to 25) and Osaka (December 5 to 25) in Japan (Church News East Asia). No kiosk nearby? The Church suggests organizing a local Light the World service project instead (official page).
What is the official Giving Machines website?
The official site is GivingMachine.org, run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has the locations finder, how donations work and common questions. Light the World ideas are at lighttheworld.org.
Giving Machine locations in 2025 and how much has been given
In 2025, machines were in 126 cities across 21 countries on six continents (Church Newsroom). Since the first machine in 2017, about US$70 million has been donated. In the 2025 season, nearly 1 million people in 126 cities across 21 countries bought about 4.8 million items (Church Newsroom).
Have a loved one serving a mission?
Families with a missionary often give in their missionary’s honor and share it in the weekly email. See Giving Machines for missionary families and Light the World for missionary families.
Questions
What are Light the World Giving Machines?
Red kiosks where you buy a needed item for someone through a participating nonprofit. The Church covers operating costs, so 100% of each donation goes to the nonprofit.
Is the Giving Machine Mormon?
Giving Machines are run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of its Light the World Christmas initiative. Anyone can give.
Is Light the World Mormon?
Light the World is a Christmas invitation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to share the light of Jesus Christ through acts of kindness. It is open to everyone.
What is the 777 code for the Giving Machine?
Typing 777 buys one of every item in that machine.
Where are Giving Machine locations in 2026?
Check the official finder at GivingMachine.org. Each city posts its own dates.
What are Giving Machine items and prices?
Items include clothing, shelter, health care, education, meals and livestock from vetted nonprofits. Each kiosk shows its own prices; no official 2026 price list is posted.
What is the Giving Machine website?
GivingMachine.org, the official site with the locations finder.
Where were Giving Machines in 2025?
126 cities across 21 countries on six continents, according to Church Newsroom.
How do I pay at a Giving Machine?
Most kiosks take credit and debit cards and mobile payment. A few countries also take cash.
Sources
- Giving Machines (official page)
- Light the World (official site)
- Light the World Giving Machines Light Up Times Square, 2023 (Church Newsroom)
- Give, For the Strength of Youth, Dec 2024 (Church magazine)
- See How Your 2025 Giving Machine Donation Will Make a Difference, March 16, 2026 (Church Newsroom)
- Giving Machine Project announces locations and dates, Oct 15, 2026 (Church News East Asia)
- Style guide (Church Newsroom)
. Official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.