EXPIRED: Light the World Giving Machines return to Puget Sound with dual grand openings

The spirit of giving is lighting up the holiday season once again as the Light the World Giving Machines return to the Puget Sound region. Grand opening celebrations took place Tuesday, November 25, at 10 a.m. at both Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood and South Hill Mall in Puyallup.

This year’s festive unwrapping ceremonies featured local city officials, including Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards at South Hill Mall, along with representatives from seven local nonprofit organizations that directly benefit from the Giving Machines.

Woodards made the first donation–a pair of tennis shoes–at the machine at South Hill Mall in Puyallup Tuesday. Some of her friends were also there to make donations.

“Someone bought baby formula, another one bought a Pack N Play,” she said. “So what I love about the Giving Machine is that there’s fun things that kids like, and then there’s also a lot of basic necessities that families need. And so, I think they’ve done a really good job in curating the kinds of gifts that the community needs and wants, and that’s why it’s so exciting.”

Woodards said this year, many families are struggling, given the current economic climate in this country.

“I think this year, especially now, more than ever, families need to feel that love, families who are in stress, families who don’t know how where they’re going to get their Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner from, let alone how they’re going to buy gifts for their children,” Woodards said. “This is a great opportunity for the community to support these families.”

Olympia Union Gospel Mission is among the local organizations selected to take part in this year’s Giving Machine program. They help people experiencing homelessness find food, dental and eye care, and a place to shower at no cost. Sue Smith, charity mentor for Union Gospel Mission in Olympia, said it is run with volunteers, many of whom have been through the program themselves and have dealt with drug and other addictions.

“They are asking for donations for clothing and food and glasses and health care that the homeless folks in Olympia can use to be well,” she said.

Another local group taking part in this year’s Giving Machine program is YWCA Pierce County.
Among the items they need are hygiene baskets, art supplies for children, winter coats, and even taxi rides.

“Sometimes we need that when survivors are fleeing an abusive situation,” said Jody Fortune, the group’s fund development manager.

“When you are able to give, no matter what amount, whether it’s $5, $20, $100, that is going to have a massive impact on families that are making a really hard and courageous step to get safe,” said YWCA Pierce County CEO Abi McLane.

Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machines offer a unique, interactive way for community members to make a difference. Much like a vending machine, donors can choose from a variety of charitable gifts—such as meals for families, medical supplies, education support, or even livestock—and every dollar goes directly to the selected charities.

Participating beneficiaries include:

• Toys for Kids
• Bridge of Promise
• El Centro de la Raza
• Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank
• Olympia Union Gospel Mission
• Maple Valley Food Bank
• YWCA
• Step By Step
• Essentials First
• Special Olympics
• Mentors International
• UNICEF

From helping feed families to empowering those experiencing homelessness, every contribution helps strengthen both local and global communities. The machines will remain operational through January 1, 2026, giving visitors ample opportunity to give back throughout the holiday season.

For more details and updates on this year’s Giving Machines, visit www.givingmachinewa.org.