Light the World Giving Machines to add holiday cheer to Chicago’s season of giving

Chicago-area shoppers will have a new way to support charity this holiday season when the Light the World Giving Machines return on Saturday, Nov. 14. The charitable vending machines allow visitors to select donation items for local and global nonprofits and pay by card.

The machines will launch at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave. They will remain there through Monday, Nov. 16, during outdoor plaza hours, according to a press release by the organization.

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How the Giving Machines work

Rather than dispensing snacks or drinks, the machines let visitors “purchase” items such as food, hygiene supplies, clothing, school supplies, and livestock. The selected item represents a donation to a participating nonprofit.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors the initiative and covers its operating costs. That allows 100% of each donation to go to the nonprofit selected by the donor.

The Pioneer Court location will support organizations including Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, VOA Illinois, Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Loaves & Fishes and Little Friends. Global partners include Splash, Water for Good, Mentors International and UNICEF USA, the announcement confirmed.

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Three Chicagoland locations

The Giving Machines will also operate at two additional sites. The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave., will host them from Tuesday, Nov. 17, through Jan. 3, 2027, in the front lobby near the Michigan Avenue entrance.

Fox Valley Mall, 195 Fox Valley Center in Aurora, will host the machines from Friday, Nov. 20, through Jan. 3, 2027. They will be located in Macy’s Court near Santa’s “North Pole.”

Chicago-area co-director Joe Seeger said the local effort has helped more than 100,000 people since it began. “We are excited to be expanding into two downtown Chicago locations, giving more guests a chance to participate,” Seeger said, according to the press release.

The initiative is in its ninth year and will operate in more than 120 cities across six continents. Organizers said approximately $70 million has been donated through the program worldwide.