PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Light the World Giving Machines are heading to Philadelphia for an exclusive engagement at Fashion District Philadelphia just in time for the holidays. The Giving Machines are popular “vending machines” that work in reverse by allowing users to donate a variety of much-needed items to local and global charities.
The three Giving Machines will raise money for six charities this year, including Philabundance, Interfaith Philabundance/Zones of Peace, Mt. Airy Church of God of Christ, Ministry of Caring, Days for Girls, and Mentors International. The Giving Machines will debut inside The Cube at Fashion District Philadelphia (9th and Market entrance) during a special celebration on November 18, at 11:00 a.m. The Giving Machines will remain through December 4, 2024.
On November 22 at 6:00 p.m., the Giving Machines will host Eagles Night with Philadelphia Eagles’ players Britain Covey, Tanner McKee Laekin Vakalahi, and Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore. Look for other special events, live music, family theme nights, holiday story time, local youth choirs and more.
The Giving Machines will be open during regular mall hours, which run Monday through Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, from noon to 6:00 p.m. Look for other holiday-related events at Fashion District Philadelphia to be announced soon.
“Fashion District Philadelphia welcomes back The Giving Machines for the upcoming holiday season,” said Fashion District General Manager Ryan Williams, CMD. “We are dedicated year-round to supporting our local community, helping charities and supporting families in need. By hosting The Giving Machines, we are able to fulfill that mission and invite shoppers to give to people in real need this time of year. The Giving Machines are both meaningful and fun — they are an innovative and immersive way to engage our visitors. They are a great compliment to all the immersive and unique experiences that we have throughout the District.”
“The Light the World Giving Machines provide a great experience for all, literally blessing lives on both sides of the vending machine glass — the giver and the receiver — more than any bag of chips or candy bar could do,” said Kate Sookhoo, director of communication in the Philadelphia area for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “The Giving Machine gives users an opportunity to donate much needed items for people here in Philadelphia and globally such as goats, meals, socks, toys, diapers, glasses of milk, and more.”
The Light the World Giving Machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provide opportunities for people looking to help those in their community and around the world. These customized vending machines provide a unique, memorable, and fun way for the public to care for and serve those in need. Every machine includes cards representing goods and services that participating nonprofit organizations have requested.
Visitors make donations by purchasing items ranging in price from $5 to $100, including staples like toiletries, baby supplies, school supplies, meals, blankets to the local area and livestock, medical supplies, and water kits to help global needs.
Donors review the cards and select those they wish to purchase. After payment is complete, the cards drop into a sealed collection bin at the bottom of the machine. Participating organizations receive an itemized summary and an electronic transfer for 100% of the donated funds to purchase the items in the year following the event.
For the 2024 season in Philadelphia, shoppers and visitors can select from six charities:
Philabundance
Interfaith Philabundance/ Zones of Peace
Mt. Airy Church of God of Christ
Ministry of Caring
Days for Girls
Mentors International
Some of the items featured in the Philadelphia Giving Machine will include shoes, meals, classroom supplies, shelter, clothing, bedding, educational assistance, books, toys, internet access, hygiene items, menstrual kits, seeds, and goats. The variety of items and price points allowed people of all ages to give. Giving Machines take C.C only. Receipts are available to donors and no payment or personal information is saved.
Since the first Giving Machine appeared in 2017, contributions have totaled more than $32 million. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating costs, ensuring that 100% of every donation goes to the designated participating nonprofit.
The Giving Machines in Philadelphia will kick off on November 18 at 11:00 a.m. with a special celebration open to the public which includes a first donation, special guests, and live music, including holiday carols and a live opera performance. Several of the charities will also be on hand to share more about their organization and help with the first donation for 2024.
Between November 18 and December 4, look for a full line-up of programming at The Giving Machine that is all open to the public, including:
November 18
11:00 a.m.
Music and Carols
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Violin Performance
November 21
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Popcorn and Music
November 22
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eagles Night
November 22
6:00 p.m.
Featuring Philadelphia Eagles’ players Britain Covey, Tanner McKee,
Laekin Vakalahi, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore
Cherry Hill Youth Choir
November 23
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Hot Cocoa and Cookies
November 23
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Crafts and Music
November 23
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Story Time and Music
November 24
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Family Fun Night
November 25
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Crafts and Treats
November 26
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Easton Youth Choir
November 30
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Musical Performances
December 1
2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Family Fun Night
December 2
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Carols
December 3
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“Last year during our inaugural year with The Giving Machines, I watched as parents and their children donate and use the machines together,” Williams said. “I hope visiting Fashion District Philadelphia for The Giving Machines is a new holiday tradition that continues year after year for local families.”
The Giving Machines are open during regular Fashion District Philadelphia mall hours, which run Monday through Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday, from 12:00 p.m noon to 6:00 p.m. There is no charge to visit The Giving Machines and attend related events.
For more about this and other holiday events at Fashion District Philadelphia, visit: fashiondistrictphiladelphia.com/Events/ and follow @fashiondistrictphl on social media.
For more about The Giving Machines, follow @GivingMachinePhialdelphia. For questions or comments, contact: [email protected].
Donations to charities featured in the Giving Machine can also be made at www.lighttheworld.org/give for those unable to come to the machines in person. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to the participating charities.
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