I’ve always thought giving was fun, and while I haven’t always had the means to, I’ve always wanted to give BIG!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has thought of an ingenious way to make giving to charities a one-of-a-kind experience with “Giving Machines”, which are vending machines which allow you to purchase items through charities that will be donated to those in need. Some of the partners are with CARE, UNICEF, WaterAid, Water For People, Eye Care 4 kids, Utah Food Bank and Utah Refugee Connection.
My wife was excited to buy a cow!
My wife and I were able to be present at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City for the unveiling of the Giving Machines.
There were plenty of items to purchase for donation – socks, glasses, soccer balls, chickens, first aid kids, meals, and even a goat – but in the end, my wife and I decided to buy a cow to donate – because, what’s bigger than a cow?! 🙂
Last year, the giving machines took in over $550,000 in donations, which surpassed expectations by far!
This is the item that drops to the bottom of the vending machine when you buy a cow!
We took a video below that shows you the whole process. It was a hard choice because I wanted to buy a goat going in, just to say that I had bought a goat. Then after seeing the cow, I just knew we had to donate this to a family. A cow is an investment that provides years of milk, cheese, and yogurt which can help a family with food and income.
We just donated a cow 🐄 as part of the #LightTheWorld initiative. We are so happy to be in a position to give! Learn more by following the link https://t.co/ab5pIPiMdP pic.twitter.com/mKeRbM97BV
— Called to Share (@MormonLight) November 29, 2018
We visiting the Giving Machine in Salt Lake City, but there are also machines in 4 other locations across the globe which should hopefully push the donations into the millions:
For more information about the charities that were involved in the Giving Machines, this video below does a wonderful job of explaining some of the current needs and ways that the Giving Machines are blessing individuals, families, and communities.
Those #LightTheWorld vending machines are back. Just one of them last year raised $500k in donations. Donate a Goat, chicken or eye glasses to family in need. Expanding to NYC , London, AZ. Such a cool idea! pic.twitter.com/zZOapOLWE1
— Deanie Wimmer (@DeanieWimmer) November 29, 2018
The Giving Machines are just one way you can serve your community and those around the world. To learn more about how you can Light the World in your area, click here > How Can I Light the World??
Here are a few of our friends who were with us and some of their fun pictures!
#lighttheworld giving machines are finally open!! Run to the nearest one to you or check my insta story for a swipe up link to light the world!! They have 5 locations this year! New York, Utah, Arizona, Great Britain, and Philippines!!! 📸credit @the… https://t.co/Y40ER9bdhF pic.twitter.com/gjztZkHW8H
— April Orgill (@CuteHair101) November 29, 2018
It was awesome to be able to donate at the giving machines in Salt Lake City at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. There are 4 other giving machines across the world, in the Philippines, London, Arizona, and New York City. Make sure to take your family and help #LightTheWorld pic.twitter.com/gu0kZtKeve
— Ben Arkell (@BenjaminArkell) November 29, 2018
Home. Car. Gym. I use this app everywhere! Check it out.
I’m thrilled about the giving machines opening up in Salt Lake, Gilbert, AZ; and internationally Manilla, and London! #LightTheWorld pic.twitter.com/rZZz3CfBMm
— Michelle McCullough (@speakmichelle) November 29, 2018
The Giving Machines are officially open at Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg. You can #LightTheWorld all month long by donating to us & many other great organizations! #fightinghungerstatewide pic.twitter.com/8jkiwfIwgU
— Utah Food Bank (@utahfoodbank) November 29, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqwKS-yhGmN/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqwSCGSFEP9/
BONUS
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