The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will place Giving Machines in 10 locations across the world this Christmas season, further expanding its efforts to #LightTheWorld by encouraging people to perform instant acts of service that make a difference in others’ lives.
“This year we will be adding new locations for our Giving Machines,” said Elder Brent H. Nielson, General Authority Seventy. “This unique way to give not only blesses the life of the giver, but also lifts the receiver in locations all around the world. Our hope is to offer opportunities to Light the World one by one.”
“These Giving Machines are an example of the big things that can happen when many people give just a little,” added Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president. “That is what it means to Light the World one by one—when we each give what we can offer, our little light adds to a brightness of hope.”
The Giving Machines will be open to the public in the following locations:
Manila, Philippines—November 8 (TriNoma Mall)
Las Vegas, Nevada—November 14 (Downtown Summerlin)
Laie, Oahu, Hawaii—November 20 (Polynesian Cultural Center)
Gilbert, Arizona—November 20 (Water Tower Plaza)
Salt Lake City, Utah—November 26 (Joseph Smith Memorial Building)
Orem, Utah—November 26 (University Place Mall)
Denver, Colorado—November 26 (Writer Square)
San Jose, California—November 29 (Christmas in the Park)
New York, New York—December 3 (Manhattan New York Temple)
London, England—December 3 (Hyde Park Visitors’ Centre)
This is the third year for the Giving Machines, which raised more than $2.3 million in 2018 for local and global charities. Total donations for 2019 will be continuously updated throughout the season and will be available on www.LightTheWorld.org.
This year, users can purchase multiple items, if they wish, for people in need with one swipe of a credit card. Items range in price from $2 to $320 and include food, clothing, medicine, hygiene supplies, sporting equipment and livestock. The items will be supplied through partner charities such as UNICEF, Church World Service, WaterAid, Water For People and International Medical Corps.
The popular #LightTheWorld campaign asks people to take the 25 days leading up to Christmas and turn it into a season of service, lifting and helping others in small and simple ways. While people usually put money into vending machines expecting to receive something in return, these Giving Machines provide a way for people to give instant acts of service and make a difference in their communities and the world.
The machines will be available through the Christmas season. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to partner charities for the purchased item or for items or services of greater need based on their discretion.
All administrative costs for this campaign and costs associated with its nonprofit partners are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A big thank you to everyone who put on and supported the Be Prepared Family Fair on September 14th! It was a huge success with 220 people in attendance from our stake, surrounding stakes, and members of our community. Many local agencies were present, and valuable information was shared about emergency preparedness of all kinds!
A great take away was:
"[P]reparing ourselves for disasters is universal. Emergencies can happen anywhere - at home or at work - and everyone must take action to prepare for emergencies in case something unexpected happens." (FEMA)
We can use your help at one of our largest softball events!
Special Olympic teams from all over Northern California will converge on Heather Farms Park in Walnut Creek to Go for the Gold! This is a two-day tournament, and we need help with both morning and afternoon shifts on Saturday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 25.
These events are meaningful experiences for athletes and volunteers alike, and we hope that you'll join us! We rely on volunteers in order to be able to host these events for our athletes, and we appreciate your support.
Volunteers must be a minimum of 10 years of age, and volunteers of ages 10 to 13 must have a parent/guardian working alongside them who is also registered as a volunteer.
A grand total of 38 units of blood were donated to American Red Cross on July 11th for our Interfaith Blood Drive. A HUGE thank you to everyone who came, donated, and served as volunteers today!
If you missed the July 11th opportunity, there's another chance on July 30th at 3700 Concord Blvd. Schedule an appointment for any time between 1:00p to 7:00p at RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code: InterfaithCommunity
DID YOU KNOW?
Someone needs blood every two seconds. One donation can save up to three lives. A single car accident victim can require 100 pints of blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.
BUT...
Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations. Accidents, medical emergencies and chronic blood conditions don’t take a summer break – patients need blood every day!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We have a wonderful opportunity to help our community by showing up to donate either at the Hilltop Chapel on July 11 or Concord Chapel on July 30.
You can sign up in advance at www.RedCrossBlood.org, enter the sponsor code: InterfaithCommunity or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Click HERE to view all the eligibility requirements on the Red Cross website.
If you are not eligible to donate, volunteers are needed to help out with check-ins and at the snack table! Please email Rebecca Palmer to volunteer in one of these capacities.
