Giving Machines, part of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ “Light the World” initiative, have returned for the 2024 holiday season.
And this year, the initiative has expanded, leading to big, red Giving Machines in 32 states and 13 countries.
Giving Machines are similar to vending machines, but instead of paying for a snack or soda, visitors pay for charitable items ranging from meals to livestock, which are then donated to organizations across the globe to help those in need.
Last year, a record $10.4 million from roughly 600,000 donors was raised through the machines, as the Deseret News previously reported.
Now, Latter-day Saint professional athletes are taking to social media to spread the word and promote the Giving Machines in their teams’ markets.
Here’s what Latter-day Saint athletes have said about the Giving Machines this year.
Olivia Moultrie
Soccer star Olivia Moultrie, who plays for the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, shared an Instagram reel on Wednesday encouraging her followers and Thorns fans to head to Portland’s Washington Square from Dec. 17 to Jan. 5 to make a donation at the machines.
“They bring so much joy during the holidays,” Moultrie said. “I hope you can stop by.”
Ashley Hatch
Former BYU Cougar Ashley Hatch plays for the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. Hatch will be hosting a meet and greet and autograph signing at the Giving Machines at Tyson Corner Center’s mall in Washington, D.C., she announced this week in her newsletter.
“Ever hear of the Giving Machines? They are a unique way to donate to your community through local charities or to donate to those far away who are in need. They are basically vending machines that help you buy/donate a lot of different items,” Hatch wrote. “I’ll be at the Giving Machine on Dec 14th from 2-4pm at Tysons Corner at AMC Theater. Come check out the Giving Machines, and get an autograph or picture with me if you’d like.”
Garett Bolles
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles shared about the Giving Machines on Instagram earlier this month.
“This holiday season is an amazing opportunity that you get to donate to our communities that are in need here at the Cherry Creek North mall with Light the World,” Bolles said.
Bolles attended Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs, Utah, before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colorado.
Bolles went on to play football at Snow College and then the University of Utah. He was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.
On Thursday, the Broncos signed Bolles to a four-year extension, ESPN reported.
Jeremy Guthrie
Even retired athletes have joined in the effort to promote Giving Machines.
Former Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie urged Royals fans in an Instagram reel to go to the Giving Machines in Kansas City’s Union Station.
“How would you like to pitch in this holiday season to making the holidays brighter and merrier for all?” Guthrie said. “It’s as simple as going, selecting your item, swiping a credit or debit card and watching the gifts for those in need pile up.”
Recently, Guthrie served as mission president for the Texas Houston South mission from 2018 to 2021.
Andy Reid
The Kansas City Chiefs have been big proponents of the Giving Machines. This year, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones starred in a video promoting the machines in Kansas City.
Their head coach, Andy Reid, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, and his wife, Tammy Reid, also made their own video.
Andy Reid chose Light the World for his charity of choice for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative. For “My Cause My Cleats,” players and coaches highlight the cause or organization of their choice on their cleats.
The Chiefs head coach wore red and white Nikes with the Light the World logo and the phrase, “Big Red Loves Big Red Giving Machines.”
Porter Ellett
Another Latter-day Saint in the Chiefs organization, Porter Ellett, joined actor and Kansas City native Eric Stonestreet in a video skit shared by the Giving Machines Kansas City Instagram account.
“We have something you all need to go do. Go visit Union Station and check out the Giving Machines. It’s a good way to give back to the community this holiday season,” Ellett said.