About the Giving Machine Initiative

Light the World Giving Machine Initiative

It’s not a vending machine
—it’s a machine for giving.

If you see this red machine, check it out.
Press a button, but no products come out.
Instead, what you purchase goes to someone in need.

Beyond the pleasure of receiving,
The fun of choosing, the joy of giving,
And the warmth of making someone happy.

Let’s Light the World.

Our Impact

Total Donations: 70 M+
Host Cities: 100 +
Visitors: 3.85 M+

Since 2017, Giving Machine kiosks have been set up in over 100 cities worldwide, mostly around Christmas, starting in North America.

In recent years, over 3,850,000 people have visited Giving Machine kiosks, contributing approximately US$70 million (*11 billion yen) worth of goods and services.

Japan’s first Giving Machine kiosks were launched during Christmas 2025.
*Based on May 2026 exchange rates.

Photo of women holding donation amount signs

How the Giving Machine Initiative Works

100% of donations go to domestic and international charities that support those in need. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers operating costs.

Flow diagram showing how the Giving Machine works — The purchaser chooses an item to donate, and 100% of the donation goes to participating charity A or B. The needed item is then provided and delivered to the person who needs it.

Why Christmas?

Giving Machine Initiative began as part of the annual Light the World Christmas prpject by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells many stories of Jesus helping the poor, the sick, the lonely, and children. At Christmas, believers reflect on His life of love.

Jesus taught, “You are the light of the world.” When we do good, kindness spreads like light.
The Light the World project invites everyone—regardless of religion—to spread kindness. That’s why we set up the Giving Machine Initiatives at Christmas.

Meals, cakes, and illuminations.
Modern Christmas is filled with dazzling commercial campaigns, but if we take a moment to forget ourselves and wish for someone else’s happiness—if we give—then surely, it will be a warm and meaningful Christmas.

Painting of Mary holding the child Jesus

Greeting from the Committee

Since 2017, Light the World Giving Machine Initiative has gained worldwide attention as a large-scale charitable initiative. Last year marked the project’s first-ever appearance in Japan, creating a meaningful opportunity for circles of compassion and generosity to spread among many people.

This year, we are delighted to announce the project’s return with expanded locations in both Tokyo and Osaka, allowing even more people to participate in this special experience of giving.

The project’s latest touchscreen Giving Machine kiosks offer 30 different items and services to choose from. However, these are not for the purchaser—they are donated through charitable organizations to someone in need, either in Japan or somewhere else in the world.

Yet, perhaps the core concept of the Initiative is not simply about providing goods or services. If the sole purpose were fundraising, a simple donation box would suffice. Rather, Giving Machine Initiative provides an opportunity for people to do good in a more accessible and memorable way. What people take home is not a product, but the joy of choosing, the excitement of giving, and the warmth of wishing happiness for someone else.

Spreading kindness may be one of the most essential things we need in today’s often harsh world. We sincerely hope that everyone will stop by, interact with the Giving Machine kiosks, and experience the true spirit of Christmas.

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the charitable organizations, partners, supporters, and all those who visited and generously contributed to this project.

GIVE Machine Project Executive Committee