The annual #LightTheWorld campaign won’t involve the unique red Giving Machines this year, but an abundance of service opportunities remain.
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided not to use the large vending machines as part of its annual #LightTheWorld campaign, a tradition since 2017, church officials announced Monday.
But starting Nov. 15, opportunities to volunteer, donate to charitable organizations and receive daily service reminders at LightTheWorld.org, will be available, Elder Marcus B. Nash, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Missionary Department, said in a statement.
“Even though the Giving Machines are on hold, the #LightTheWorld initiative still provides many other opportunities to give and share the infinite hope, peace and love of our Savior Jesus Christ,” Elder Nash said. “We encourage people to be thoughtful as they decide the best way to give back this holiday season.”
The Giving Machines raised $6.2 million last year to donate food, supplies, clean water, sanitation and personal development workshops for people in need.
Despite not having the machines, patrons can donate directly to organizations that partner with Latter-day Saint Charities as one of the options on LightTheWorld.org.
Other service activities include:
- Volunteer activities through JustServe.org (where available).
- A daily calendar of 25 simple ways to serve others.
- Daily texts or emails leading up to Christmas that people can opt in to receive.
In any social media posts regarding such service, the church encourages use of the hashtag, #LightTheWorld.
“During these unique and troubling times, we have the opportunity to make a difference in small and natural ways,” Elder Nash said. “We can be a light that can shine to the world. We invite all to join with us this Christmas season and light the world, one person at a time, one by one, just as the Savior did. Together, we can end 2020 on a positive note.”
Last year the church released an 18-minute video called, “The Christ Child,” which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. As part of this year’s campaign, the church will release a behind-the-scenes video, “The Making of ‘The Christ Child.’” Both videos will be available at LightTheWorld.org.