Davao Joins Cebu and Manila as Third #LightTheWorld Giving Machines Location in PH

To help more Filipinos in need, the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines has expanded to a third location in Davao City. This marks the first time the initiative has reached Mindanao since its launch in 2017.

Last November 14, 2024, the Giving Machines at the 3rd Floor Extension Wing of Ayala Malls Abreeza were warmly received by Davaoenos, gathering thousands of donations on their first day. On November 16, the machines at Robinsons Galleria Cebu were also launched and began accepting donations in their new location. The Giving Machines will be launched next at Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City on November 23, 2024.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, represented by Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor of the Philippines Area Leadership, expressed gratitude to all partners and government officials who made the installation of the machines possible in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“[The Giving Machines] reminds me of a wonderful phrase in the Book of Acts that describes the Savior. It said, ‘He went about doing good.’ And because of that, we feel delighted to partner with you in helping to improve the lives of so many others. What a wonderful way to celebrate our discipleship of Jesus Christ than by following His example and serving others in this beautiful and wonderful way.” Elder Strong said in his brief message.

What is #LightTheWorld?

Each Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the birth and life of Jesus Christ through the #LightTheWorld initiative, inviting people to follow His example by caring for others, one by one, throughout the Christmas season.

A Global Impact of Giving

Since the initiative began in 2017, the Giving Machines have raised over $32 million worldwide across 61 locations to benefit charitable organizations. The machines were first introduced in the Philippines in 2018 and have since expanded to Davao, Cebu, and Manila. Today, there are now Giving Machines in 106 locations in 13 countries and five continents across the globe.

In 2023, over PHP 700,000 was collected from more than 4,500 donors at machines installed in TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, and near the Manila Philippines Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ in Quezon City. Additionally, the Church donated PHP 500,000 to each of the six charitable organizations, totaling PHP 3.7 million in nationwide donations.

How the Giving Machines Work

The Giving Machines provide a unique experience, functioning as vending machines with a twist: each purchase is a donation to a local charity partner. These machines allow people to offer immediate acts of service, with 100 percent of each donation supporting the items purchased or similar essential needs. All administrative costs for the initiative are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the past, donations made through Giving Machines in the Philippines were only made using cash. Starting in 2023, donors were given the option to donate via cash or e-payment alternatives, including GCash and AliPay, making it easier to make cashless donations.

Charities and Items Available for Donation

Each Giving Machine location partners with select charities to ensure donations have a meaningful and direct local impact. In Davao, the charity partners include the Mabuhay Foundation, UNICEF Philippines, and Ateneo de Davao University. In Manila, the Giving Machines support Caritas Manila, HERO Foundation, and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, while in Cebu, partners include Cebu Caritas, Feed the Children, and UNICEF Philippines.

Donors at these locations can choose items to support local families in need, including educational support and supplies, hygiene kits, and other essential resources. All proceeds from these purchases go directly to the chosen charities, allowing participants to see exactly how their donations are making a difference.

How to Help

After donating, visitors can also support the initiative by sharing their Giving Machine experiences with friends and family and on social media to inspire others to donate. The machines offer a powerful opportunity to brighten the Christmas season for those in need and those who donate.