New York, N.Y., December 1, 2025 – Just in time for Giving Tuesday, CARE joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Times Square to kick off the holiday season. The event launched the 2025 Light the World initiative and officially unveiled this year’s Giving Machines.
First introduced in 2017, these unique vending machines (Giving Machines), created by the Church, provide a simple yet powerful way for people to support meaningful initiatives here in the US and around the world during the season of giving. With the swipe of a credit card and the push of a button, passersby can give back with a “purchase” from a selection of dozens of charitable items. When donors make their purchase, the Giving Machine dispenses a postcard featuring an image and description of their gift. 100% of all donations go directly to each participating charitable organization, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all expenses associated with the initiative, including credit card transaction fees. Since their debut in Salt Lake City eight years ago, the Giving Machines have grown into a global movement, raising over $50 million for local and global charities.
CARE joined several other charitable organizations in Times Square to showcase how donations through the Giving Machines will bring hope and transformative change to individuals and communities around the world, capturing the true spirit of the holidays.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its generous support of CARE’s work around the world. It is a privilege to participate again in Light the World this holiday season as a global partner,” said Dana Tseng, Senior Director of Philanthropy at CARE. “This is a fun, interactive way for anyone to make a difference. Each donation to CARE supports families working to build stronger, healthier futures.”
This year, CARE will be featured in the following 16 US cities:
- New York, New York
- Colombus, Ohio
- Pocatello, Idaho
- Kennewick, Washington
- Spokane, Washington
- Austin, Texas
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Portland, Maine
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Denver, Colorado
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Rexburg, Idaho
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Waco, Texas
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Chicago, Illinois
It’s also possible to give online by going to www.care.org/lighttheworld and select one of the following options:
- For $6, you can purchase a Handwashing Station to prevent disease and promote hygiene.
- For $35, you can purchase Two Chickens, offering a family sustainable income through egg production.
- For $38, you can purchase Vegetable Seeds to help a family grow healthy vegetables for nourishment and self-sufficiency.
- For $90, you can purchase One Goat, empowering a woman to earn income and support her family.
- For $140, you can offer Refugee Support, delivering essential items like food, shelter, hygiene kits, and critical supplies to a displaced family in crisis.
For media inquiries, please contact usa.media@care.org.