Fresno residents now have a new way to support families in need during the holiday season through vending machines that allow donors to purchase items for those less fortunate. The Light the World Giving Machines, located at River Park Shopping Center between PINK and White House Black Market, offer a variety of donation options. Donors can select items such as holiday meals, emergency shelters, school supplies, grief retreats, refugee health kits, and education opportunities.
The initiative is a partnership between local and global charities. Local organizations participating this year include FIRM (Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries), Poverello House, Family Healing Center, Catholic Charities, and Hinds LifeCare. International charities involved are Mentors International and USA for UNHCR.
The machines are designed to look like standard vending machines. Donors use them to select their preferred donation, and after making a purchase, they receive a card showing the item donated and a digital receipt.
According to the organizers, “the best change that can come from a vending machine” is made possible by these machines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors the annual Light the World initiative. “Light the World is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ annual Christmas initiative, inviting participants to carry on the example of the birth and life of Jesus Christ by serving others,” according to the press release.
The church covers all operating costs, ensuring that 100% of each donation goes directly to the participating nonprofits. Each nonprofit receives a summary of items purchased and has 12 months to fulfill the orders.
