The holiday season brings an innovative twist to charitable giving in Orange County with the arrival of a unique vending machine that transforms generosity into instant action. Dubbed "The Giving Machine," this initiative by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' Light the World Campaign makes its debut in the region.

Bryan Smith from OC Giving Machine highlights its global journey: "It's been all over the world. It's been to Rockefeller Center. It's been in the Philippines. It's been in Las Vegas. But it had never been to Southern California."

Young volunteers like Lilly Greathouse from the Just Serve Club are enthusiastically promoting the project. "They've all seemed really interested in it, like when we gave out flyers there were lots of smiles," she shares. "A few people were asking me questions I was able to explain."

With donation options spanning from $7 to $150, the machine's impact reaches far and wide. David Blair from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast emphasizes its significance: "Just with the simple act of purchasing groceries for a family here at the Giving Machine it makes an incredible impact for that family to feel like they're able to provide for their kids."

The machine offers various ways to help, from supporting local children at CHOC with comfort items to providing maternal healthcare internationally. Young supporter Dennon Walk explains her choice: "Sometimes it can be hard for a mom with not the right medical supplies to have a baby and I picked the healing seal so they can be happy to have that little stuffed animal with them."