The holiday season is rapidly approaching and once again The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is promoting their Light the World initiative using Light the World Giving Machines. Following the Savior’s admonition to “love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34), the theme for this year’s initiative is “Light the World with Love.”
English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic, G.K. Chesterton, is quoted as having said, “Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” And it was Ruth Carter Stapleton, a sister of former President Jimmy Carter, who said, “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”
The Light the World Giving Machine campaign began on 1 November 2021 and will run through 1 January 2022. During that time, people will have the opportunity to spread good will and joy to others by donating to dozens of local and global charity organizations. The machines are being made available in the following 10 locations across the United States:
- Las Vegas, Nevada – Downtown Summerlin Mall (November 3)
- Nashville, Tennessee – Bridgestone Arena (November 18)
- Honolulu, Hawaii – Pearlridge Center (November 20)
- Orem, Utah – University Place (November 23)
- Salt Lake City, Utah – City Creek Center (November 24)
- Oakland, California – Temple Hill (November 27)
- Gilbert, Arizona – Water Tower Plaza (November 29)
- Denver, Colorado – Writer Square (November 30)
- Kansas City, Missouri – Crown Center (November 30)
- New York, New York – Manhattan New York Temple (November 30)
Among the 40-plus local charity partners, this year’s global charities include CARE, Church World Service, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, and Water Aid. Each Giving Machine includes items from global and local charities, such as food, clean water, health care services, shelter, bedding, skills training, and educational supplies. The ever-popular chickens, goats, pigs, and beehives will also be available. When a person donates using one of the machines, the boxes representing the items drop to the bottom where they are collected and donated.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all expenses associated with the initiative, including credit card transaction fees. Therefore, 100% of all donations go directly to each participating charitable organization.
Front man of the rock band Imagine Dragons, Dan Reynolds, made the first donation at the kickoff event in Las Vegas. He said, “This is for our kids. This is to show them what life is about. It’s to teach them a quick lesson that it’s not about TikTok. It’s not about likes on Instagram. Your self-love, your self-worth, your joy in life will come from giving to others.”
Please visit LightTheWorld.org to learn more about the Light the World initiative. More details will be launched on the website on 18 November 2021.
