Share Your Light at a Giving Machine in Southern California

Give clean water, goats, meals, toys, and more to those in need through a unique giving experience. Your donations go directly to global and local charities to help change lives around the world.

As seen in

It’s Time for Something Good

Giving Machines make donating to global and local charities as easy as buying a candy bar or soda. Donate at any Southern California Location or help partner or volunteer.

Giving Made Simple

Here’s how the Giving Machines work:

1

Choose a Machine in Southern California

More machines than ever are coming to Southern California starting Thanksgiving Day 2025! Giving Machines will appear in over 131 cities in 21 countries this year.

2

Make Your Selection

Inside, you’ll discover a variety of charitable items like blankets, diapers, school supplies and farm animals like pigs. You can spend as little as $5 and as much as $3,500.

3

Swipe Your Card

Giving Machines accept credit card and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).

4

Collect Your Receipt

Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Simply enter your phone number or email address to receive a digital receipt. 100% of your donation will go to the applicable charity.

5

Share with Your Friends and Family

Inspire others with your experience! Share it on Instagram Stories and your favorite social media. Don’t forget to include #GivingMachineSocal and #LightTheWorld in your posts.

Southern California Locations

More Giving Machines Than Ever Coming to Southern California Thanksgiving Day 2025!
Stay Tuned for More Info!

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Giving Machines offer a unique twist on vending machines. Instead of snacks, you can purchase essential items like clothing, medicine, food, and even livestock for charities worldwide. You can spend as little as $5 and as much as $3,500.
    These distinctive red machines are part of Light the World, an annual initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Latter-Day Saints Charities. Since 2016, Light the World has encouraged global kindness through service. Giving Machines provide a memorable way to help those in need, locally and globally.

    Since 2017, over $48 million (USD) has been donated to vulnerable populations, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

    We’re proud to partner with dozens of local and global nonprofit organizations to bring light and support to those who need it most. Depending on the location, donation items may include food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, educational resources, hygiene kits, animal care, and more.

    To see the full list of charity partners benefiting from donations made at a Light the World Giving Machine in Southern California this Christmas season, visit the location pages nearest you:

    Huntington Beach Los Angeles Riverside San Clemente San Diego

    100% of every donation is given to the participating nonprofit organizations to purchase and deliver the donated item. This happens because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs. Individual credit card transaction fees are covered by the donor or the Church.

    Participating nonprofit organizations may use up to 10% of your donation for administrative costs. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to make an item substitution to meet unexpected needs. When this occurs, replacement products or services remain in the same category as the original purchase.

    Giving Machines accept debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express) via tap or swipe (chip readers do not work) and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and so on).

    In some countries, both cards and cash are accepted.

    More Giving Machines than ever are coming to Southern California starting November 17! Giving Machines return to Huntington Beach Pier and Old Town San Diego starting Thanksgiving Day. New for this Christmas season, Giving Machines are popping up at The Grove LA starting November 17, Galleria at Tyler in Riverside starting Thanksgiving Day, and Outlets at San Clemente starting December 12.

    Participants at the Giving Machine can donate one of each item by entering code 777 on the keypad. When this code is used, you’ll see all the item cards drop in the machine.

    Since 2017, over $48 million (USD) has been donated to vulnerable populations, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

    Contributions at the Giving Machines in Southern California benefit both local charities and international organizations worldwide.

    The Giving Machine thrives on partnerships and passionate volunteers. Join us in making charitable giving as simple as pressing a button. Even if it’s a small contribution, you can partner with the Giving Machine or have a part in our volunteer family.
    Sign up now and help us prove that small actions, multiplied by many, can make a big difference!