This Christmas, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extends a heartfelt invitation to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ by embracing the spirit of giving. The organization is reintroducing the "Light The World Giving Machines" in the Philippines, offering a unique blend of fun and spirituality to the holiday season.

Spearheaded by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, Second Counselor, Philippine Area Presidency, these distinctive vending machines, situated at Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City and Ayala Center Cebu, allow the public to engage in immediate and affordable acts of service for fellow Filipinos in need.

Launched on 9 and 16 November, respectively, the Giving Machines will remain available during mall hours until 1 January 2024.

Unlike conventional vending machines, these giving-focused marvels facilitate the donation of various essential items, including food packs, hygiene kits, educational materials, student financial aid and much more. The Church has partnered with esteemed organizations like Caritas Manila, Caritas Cebu, Feed The Children, Inc., HERO Foundation, Inc., Mabuhay Deseret Foundation and UNICEF to ensure that 100 percent of every donation directly benefits those in need.

This year, the Giving Machines embrace the digital age by offering donors the option to contribute via cash or e-payment alternatives, such as GCash and AliPay, streamlining the donation process and accommodating cashless transactions.

As a token of appreciation for select donors, some product cards inside the Manila Giving Machines will contain unique Tabernacle Choir stickers. These stickers can be traded for special tickets to the upcoming February 2024 concert of the Choir in the Philippines.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, established in 1847, is globally renowned and currently on its first-ever world tour, with the Philippines as its second stop after Mexico. The Choir, having performed at prestigious events, including US Presidential inaugurations, adds a touch of grandeur to the holiday season.

Since 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been hosting Giving Machines in the Philippines, making it one of just six countries worldwide to do so consistently during the Christmas season. To date, these machines have collected over US$22 million in donations, positively impacting beneficiaries across the globe.

The Church's #LightTheWorld initiative, observed each Christmas season, encourages individuals to follow the loving example of Jesus Christ, the Light of The World, by caring for individuals one by one. By inspiring people to find unique ways to love, share and invite one another, the Church aims to spread Christ's teachings, bringing healing, hope and true joy to those in need.

This Christmas, as the Giving Machines stand ready to receive the generosity of the Filipino community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hopes to kindle a spirit of compassion and illuminate the world with the love and light of the holiday season.