MYNORTHWEST NEWS

‘Light the World Giving Machines’ look to give back to community

Nov 21, 2023, 7:50 PM | Updated: 7:52 pm

Are you in the giving mood this holiday season? If so, there is a fast, easy way to give with the ‘Light the World Giving Machines’ at Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall.

This popular “holiday vending machine” works in reverse by giving people an opportunity to purchase and donate a variety of much-needed items for local and global charities.

More news: Wash. food banks seeking more volunteers through the holidays

The ‘Light the World Giving Machines,’ sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the owner of KIRO Newsradio’s parent company, provides an instant act of service for people looking to help those in their community and around the world.

Visitors can purchase items such as meals, clothing, soccer balls, housing, school supplies, hygiene items, and life-saving medicine.

The prices range from $3 to $300 and can fit all budgets.

“Instead of getting a candy bar out of a vending machine, you can buy socks for somebody who is homeless,” Libby Murray with Light the World Giving Machines told KIRO Newsradio. “You can buy food for someone in Ukraine. It is just such an amazing opportunity to serve.”

All donations will go directly to the participating charities.​

Local beneficiaries include The Salvation Army, Bellevue Lifespring, Tacoma Rescue Mission, Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Shared Hope International.

“We are proud to be part of the Light the World Giving Machines effort: It’s such a powerful and easy way to give to those who need hope and light this holiday season,” Lt. Col. Cindy Foley with the Salvation Army Northwest said.

More from James Lynch: Seattle considering kids playground at clothing-optional beach

Last year, The Light The World Giving Machines were in Bellevue Square.

A quarter million dollars was raised. In fact, since 2017, the Light The World Giving Machines have raised $22 million worldwide, in 61 countries.

The Light The World Giving Machines will be at the Alderwood Mall near Macy’s until Dec. 17.

MyNorthwest News

Mason County tow truck hit...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Tow-truck driver airlifted to hospital after being hit by car in Mason County

A tow-truck driver was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after being hit by a car while on the job.

36 minutes ago

seattle man dies in custody...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Man dies in police custody in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood

An investigation is underway after a man died in police custody Saturday evening in Seattle.

2 hours ago

teachers pay wa grades...

Charlie Harger

Harger: WA pays teachers top dollar for middling test scores. Maybe we’re grading the wrong thing

Top-tier pay. Record spending. Average results. Why Washington should offer families a real vocational track alongside the traditional college path.

3 hours ago

Renton camping ban vote...

Heather Bosch, KIRO 7 News

Renton City Council to vote on camping ban

Renton is poised to become the next Washington State city to ban camping on public property.

4 hours ago

light rail stabbing pioneer square...

Frank Lenzi

Stabbing victim boards Sound Transit light rail train in Seattle’s Pioneer Square

A person was stabbed in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood late Sunday afternoon and then boarded a northbound Sound Transit light rail train before first responders could intervene, the agency said.

15 hours ago

Andre Sayles (2) bite of seattle shooting suspect...

Tom Brock

Texts on hold: SPD delays Bite of Seattle shooting records

Interim Seattle Police Chief Andre Sayles says he needs more time before he can release the police department's internal communications the night of the deadly "Bite of Seattle" shootings.

19 hours ago

‘Light the World Giving Machines’ look to give back to community