New York (November 28, 2023) — On the eve of Giving Tuesday, Light the World Giving Machines returned to NYC with a community kick off event and official “unwrapping” in Times Square. The Light the World Giving Machines, inaugurated in 2017, are a charitable initiative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, creating a way to provide help to others in local communities around the world and during the holiday season.
CARE was selected to be one of nine global charities to participate this year in the Light the World event. At the kick off, CARE and the other featured charities were invited to describe how donations through the Giving Machines would be used to improve people’s lives.
“Latter-day Saint Charities has been a committed partner of CARE’s since 1985, and together we’ve worked to help uplift so many across the world through the global CARE network,” said Caroline Blayney, CARE USA, Executive Director, Philanthropy East, who represented CARE at the event. “I am honored to be here today during this season of giving to celebrate the Light the World Giving Machine campaign alongside these wonderful organizations, all doing so much good in the world at a time when hope and compassion are needed most. The Light the World Giving Machines provide meaningful ways to support our work, so that individuals can live with dignity with access to economic opportunities, food and nutritional security, as well as essential humanitarian assistance.”
With the swipe of a credit card and the push of a button, passersby can give back with the “purchase” from a selection of dozens of charitable items, ranging from chickens to polio vaccines to clean water, and so much more. 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.
Three different CARE donation options will be available at the NYC Giving Machines:
- For $25, you can purchase Two Chickens as well as tools and training for families in places like Benin to establish a thriving poultry business that will support them for years to come.
- For $29, you can purchase Vegetable Seeds to be planted on half an acre of land to provide a family with healthy vegetables and nourishment.
- For $140, you can provide Refugee Support for one displaced family in need. This includes food, shelter, hygiene items, blankets, and other supplies.
The New York City Giving Machines moved from Times Square to The Church of Our Saviour, at 59 Park Ave. (at 38th St.) on November 28, 2023, where they will stay until the end of the year.
In addition to NYC, Giving Machines can be found in 40 other US cities, and 14 international cities. This is nearly double the number of cities compared to the 2022 campaign. Since 2017, the Giving Machines campaign has raised more than $22 million for charities.
To learn more about the Giving Machines, where they can be found, and what can be “purchased,” visit www.care.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/light-the-world.