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A new way to give: Light the World Giving Machine comes to St. Augustine Nov. 29 to Dec.15

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A new way to give: Light the World Giving Machine comes to St. Augustine Nov. 29 to Dec.15

Purchase a chicken or clean water for those in need from the Light the World Giving Machine stationed in St. Augustine Nov. 29-Dec.15 at the Visitor Center

Have you ever wanted to purchase items to donate to a nonprofit, but weren’t sure what items to buy?

Well, now you can purchase with confidence from the Light the World Giving Machine that will be stationed 24/7 at St. Augustine’s Visitors Center Plaza adjacent to the Historic Downtown Parking Facility from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15.

Giving Machine volunteers will be on-site daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to assist with purchases. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. to acknowledge Giving Tuesday. Purchases can only be made with a debit card.

The Light the World Giving Machine is a component of the Light the World initiative now underway in more than 100 cities worldwide. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these unique red vending machines provide an opportunity for gift-givers to purchase items requested by local and worldwide charities.

According to a recent news release, since the Giving Machine made it first appearance in 2017, people have contributed more than $32 million.

How? The vending machines display cards representing items requested by global and local nonprofit organizations such as hygiene products, backpacks, bedding, hot meals, seeds and the ever-so-popular chickens, with sale prices ranging between $10 and $150.

The Church of the Latter-Day Saints covers all operating costs to ensure that 100% of every donation goes to the designated participating nonprofit partners regardless of race, nationality or religious affiliation.

As noted in the news release, Giving Machines promote the spirit of giving, increase awareness of humanitarian needs, encourage public involvement and highlight the efforts of local and global organizations working to provide for those in need.

Michael S. Lavoie, St. Augustine’s church leader, described the red vending machine as an exciting opportunity for those willing to give.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a mission to relieve suffering and give hope to individuals who need it,” he said in the release. “The Giving Machine is a way for everyone to take part in that mission, especially during the holiday season.”

St. Augustine’s local charities include the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, which assists homeless families and their children with housing and programs that lead to self-sufficiency.

“The items will bless homeless families and unsheltered clients and give them joy,” Debi Redding, executive director of the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, said in the release. “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this amazing project.”

Other local and regional charities benefitting from St Augustine’s machines include Sharing Putnam’s Bounty of Putnam County, Kim’s Open Door of Duval County, BASCA of Clay County and Peaceful Paths of Alachua County. Global charities include Catholic Relief Services and Lifting Hands International. 

Global charities include CARE, iDE Global, UNICEF, WaterAide, The Academy for Creating Enterprise, Church World Services, Lifting Hands International, Mentor’s International, World Food Program, American Red Cross, Days for Girls International, MAP International, Right to Play and Save the Children.

The red vending machine will travel to the Altamonte Mall in Orlando on Dec. 17 and will remain there until Jan. 2.

Click here for more information.

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