CEBU – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints’ annual Christmas giving initiative, #LighTheWorld Giving Machines are
now open to four major Philippine cities—Cebu, Bacolod, Davao and Manila for
direct donation through purchase items inside the vending machines.
The #LightTheWorld initiative invites people to buy products inside these special vending machines, called “Giving Machines,” providing opportunity for instant acts of service where patrons buy items for themselves, the Giving Machines allow individuals to donate directly to benefit others in need.
Each Giving Machine offers a range of essential items, including food packs, hygiene kits, school supplies, medical care, psychological support, vitamins, and youth rehabilitation services, all of which donors can select and purchase for beneficiaries in need. Cash and digital payment options are available.
According to Elder Carlos Revillo, Jr., PH Area President, 100% of every donation goes directly to the designated charity partner. Administrative costs, including marketing efforts, are fully shouldered by the Church and are not drawn from donated funds. The Giving Machines are staffed by volunteers in each host city who dedicate their time and resources to support the project and its beneficiaries.
The Church’s support for the Giving Machines reflects its broader mission to care for the poor, strengthen families, and help individuals become spiritually and temporally self-reliant, Revillo added.
Revillo bared that the Philippines, which has hosted the Giving Machines since 2018, recorded strong community participation in 2024, with 6,305 donors contributing PHP 750,000 to charitable causes. The Church further amplified these efforts by donating an additional PHP 500,000.00 to each participating charity organization.
Globally, the Giving Machines have raised more than USD 50 million and helped thousands of people since the initiative began, Revillo added that in 2024, Giving Machines were launched in 107 locations worldwide including the three locations in the Philippines.
The 2025 #LightTheWorld Giving Machines launched earlier in other key cities; Manila opened on November 26 at Ayala Malls Market! Market with donations supporting Caritas Kalookan – Kaagapay, HERO Foundation, and NORFIL Foundation.
Cebu launched on November 28 at The Mall NUSTAR in Kawit Island supporting the Parents Reach Foundation, Kythe Foundation, and Cebu Caritas. Davao City launched the Giving Machines on December 1 at Ayala Malls Abreeza and will work with the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, and SOS Children’s Village.
Bacolod City to host the #LightTheWorld Giving
Machines for the first time on December 4 at the 2nd Level of Robinsons Place Bacolod.
All donations made on these specific machines will benefit three local organizations:
the USLS Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial
Regional Hospital, and the Kalipay Negrense Foundation. Their programs support
vulnerable youth, children facing medical challenges, and survivors of abuse or
neglect. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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