The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) invites the Cebuano community to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Christmas as the Light The World Giving Machines officially open on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
At a press conference graced by esteemed leaders including Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson, Primary General President Susan H. Porter, and Philippines Area President Elder Steven R. Bangerter, the excitement surrounding the return of the Giving Machines to Cebu was palpable.
“These unique vending machines offer a fun and spiritual way to participate in the season of giving,” remarked President Johnson during the press conference.
They were accompanied by representatives from their partner organizations, including Caritas Cebu, Feed The Children, HERO Foundation, Inc., and UNICEF.
Hosted by Ayala Center Cebu, the Giving Machines will be accessible from November 16, until January 1, 2024. They also launched the Giving Machines in Manila last November 9.
Donors are encouraged to contribute essential items such as food packs, hygiene kits, educational materials, and more. The Giving Machines now include additional options like student financial aid, emergency and repair kits, multivitamins, eyeglasses and eye-care packages, medical kits, water kits, crutches, wheelchairs, immunization packages, and psychosocial support.
In a notable departure from previous years, donors now have the option to contribute via cash or e-payment alternatives, including GCash and AliPay, facilitating cashless donations. The Church shoulders all operational costs, ensuring that 100 percent of every donation directly benefits those in need.
As a special expression of gratitude for select donors, product cards inside the Giving Machines will contain unique Tabernacle Choir stickers. These stickers offer donors the chance to trade them for special tickets to the February 2024 concert of the Choir in the Philippines.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, established in 1847, is currently embarked on its first-ever world tour, with the Philippines as its second stop after Mexico. Since 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has brought the Giving Machines to the Philippines, one of only six countries worldwide to do so every Christmas season. To date, the Giving Machines have collected over US$22 million in donations for beneficiaries across the globe.
This Christmas season, the Church’s #LightTheWorld initiative encourages people in Cebu and around the world to follow the loving example of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Light of The World, by caring for individuals one by one. The Church aspires to inspire individuals to discover unique ways to love, share, and invite one another to light the world, fostering healing, hope, and authentic joy for those in need.
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