Giving Tuesday has become one of the most beautiful expressions of generosity in our modern world. After a long holiday weekend often centered around shopping, deals and consumerism, this global day of giving shifts our hearts back to what truly matters; loving our neighbor, lifting one another up and giving generously as Jesus has called us to do.
Every year, millions of people participate, but one movement stands out as a uniquely joyful and faith-inspired expression of generosity: the Light the World Giving Machines These are hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
What makes these Giving Machines so special isn’t just the technology or the creativity of “purchasing” gifts like chickens, the ecumenism. Ecumenism is when people of every denomination, Christians of all kinds, come together for a common cause.
In a world that is often divided by belief, politics and preference, these machines create a rare and holy space where followers of Jesus stand together to practice compassion. Whether you are Catholic, Baptist, Non-Denominational, Methodist or LDS, generosity unites us. That generosity shines the light of Jesus in powerful ways.
As we approach Giving Tuesday, let’s explore how these Giving Machines work, the impact they’re making and how those of us in the Greater Houston area can participate in this beautiful movement of faith in action.
In John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, unity in love. He knew that when believers unite in service and compassion, the world sees His heart more clearly. Scripture reminds us again and again that we are one body with many parts. This is stated clearly in 1 Corinthians 12 “ We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24, usccb.org). Our differences may shape us, but our Savior unites us.
Christian unity doesn’t mean sameness. It refers to partnership. It means recognizing that when we work together, we can reach farther, impact greater and reflect God more fully.
The Giving Machines beautifully model this truth. Though hosted by a specific church, they invite all of us, even those outside the Christian faith, to participate in something meaningful, generous and life-changing. Together, we become laborers for Christ.
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a simple idea: a day dedicated to global generosity after the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Over time, it has become a movement filled with kindness, compassion and purpose.
For Christians, it is an ideal opportunity to realign our focus and to remember that we are stewards, not owners; givers, not consumers and disciples, not spectators.
Giving Tuesday reminds us of three simple truths:
And that’s where the Giving Machines come in. They turn generosity into something tangible, joyful and accessible for people everywhere. They make it easy to impact both locally and globally.
Imagine walking up to a brightly lit vending machine, but not to purchase a snack, instead to purchase life-changing gifts for people around the world. For example, you could gift:
That is exactly how the Giving Machines work.
Created as part of the Light the World initiative, these vending-style donation stations allow anyone to browse impactful items and instantly give to a variety of charities. Amazingly, 100% of every donation goes directly to the cause. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating costs, so no administrative fees reduce the impact!
Even more inspiring is that the charities represented span numerous organizations, many of which are not affiliated with the LDS Church. They include well-known global nonprofits such as:
This is Christian unity in action. It is generosity without walls. This demonstrates love that transcends church boundaries.
The Giving Machines support a wide range of global and local charities that are making a meaningful difference. Here are some of the organizations that the machines placed in Houston,Texas benefit:
Committed to ending global poverty, CARE helps families become self-sufficient through education, healthcare, and food security.
Serving families in crisis through its food pantry and emergency financial assistance programs. Their mission is to reduce hunger and help local households regain stability with
Works to ensure children in underserved urban communities have clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education. Their sustainable programs improve health, learning and long-term opportunities for kids around the world.
Provides direct food assistance to food insecure children, families and seniors who face the risk of going hungry every day. In 2023, Target Hunger distributed food to over 21,500 individuals representing
There are even more ways to help than what is listed here. Each item purchased represents real change for real people. This collaboration across faith lines makes a broader impact possible.
For those living in or near the Houston area, you’re in luck! A Giving Machine is available right in our community, making generous giving a simple, beautiful, hands-on experience for individuals, families and church groups. There are three machines hosted. In 2025, you can find them in Gallery Furniture, Houston during Nov 28 – Dec 1, at the Sugar Land Town Square during Dec 3 – Dec 15 and at Hughes Landing Band Shell, The Woodlands during Dec 17 – Jan 3.
To find the exact Houston location and for more information, visit: https://www.givingmachineshouston.org/
This link includes a map of every Giving Machine worldwide, with dates, hours, and available charities. Machines are typically placed in high-traffic areas such as malls, shopping centers, or city squares.
If you’re local, I encourage you to:
As someone in the greater Houston area, I encourage you to support humanity in this way. I see the needs of people regularly. Homelessness is a growing issue. This economy is making it difficult for people to meet their basic needs. And if you’re not in the Houston area, you can still participate through the same link above, which includes online giving options.
Serving together creates unity. Unity strengthens our witness. A strong witness draws people to Jesus. Jesus never said that the world would know us by our theology, worship style or denominational affiliation. He said: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35, usccb.org)
When Christians gather around a shared mission such as feeding, clothing and caring for others, the walls fall down. The heart of the Gospel comes alive. Remember that the Giving Machines are not about who hosts them; they’re about who benefits from them, God’s people. Every donation is a shared testimony of the love of Jesus expressed through unified generosity.
If you feel stirred to make a difference this year, here are simple ways to take action:
Browse the causes, watch the stories and learn how each gift helps. A map is provided to find a Giving Machine near you.
Turn giving into a memorable experience with family or friends. You can also encourage local churches of various denominations to promote the event together to demonstrate unity in the kingdom.
Even $5 makes a real impact. Every gift matters to someone.
Bring someone from another church tradition to model unity in action. Plan a visit and ensure you (and others) have a card or mobile pay, involve family members or a small group, take photos and share them on social media to inspire others. Christian women have the influence to gather a small group to go together to the machine as a service event.
Post a photo or message on social media to inspire others toward generosity. In the post, you can share a bit about why you chose the cause you did.
Ask God to multiply it and bless those who receive it.
This is a beautiful chance to live out your faith, align your heart with God’s purpose and shine in your community. After Giving Tuesday, look for local service opportunities so generosity becomes a habit, not just a one-day event. Talk with others about your experience and theirs. Ask questions like:: “How did giving feel? What did God stir in me? Who else can I invite next year?” Make giving a normal occurrence and you will feel more awakened, aligned and shining with purpose.
Giving Tuesday is more than a date on the calendar; it’s an invitation to reflect on the generous heart of Jesus. The Light the World Giving Machines offer an extraordinary opportunity for believers of all traditions to come together, give together and shine together.
Whether you are in the greater Houston area or somewhere else, your generosity becomes part of a ripple effect that reaches across neighborhoods, nations and generations. This Giving Tuesday, may your heart be awakened, your spirit aligned with God’s purpose and your life shine with the love of Christ. Remember Matthew 25:40, “And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (usccb.org)
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