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

The Light the World Giving Machine Initiative began in North America in 2017 as a new way to make giving accessible to everyone. Since then, it has expanded around the world, with Giving Machine kiosks now installed in more than 100 cities.
To date, more than 3.85 million people have visited Giving Machine kiosks, donating approximately US$70 million worth of goods and services—equivalent to ¥11 billion at May 2026 exchange rates.

Japan’s first Giving Machine kiosks were launched during Christmas 2025.
During the 32-day event in Japan, more than 8,000 people visited and over 4,000 items were donated. Thanks to the participation of so many people, total donations exceeded ¥11.15 million.

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.

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.

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