Chicagoland Giving Machine Initiative

About this event

The Chicagoland Giving Machine Initiative is part of the annual holiday initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Holiday shoppers in Chicagoland will be helping people in need through unique vending machines — but they won’t be buying candy or chips. These machines offer an opportunity throughout the season to choose a local or global charity and, with a simple swipe of a card, make a donation. It provides a simple, memorable way for people to help others during the holiday season.

Through customized vending machines, visitors can donate items such as clothing, food, hygiene supplies, school supplies and even livestock. The Church covers all operating costs, allowing participating nonprofit organizations to receive 100% of each donation to purchase and deliver selected items.

In 2025, the initiative operated in 126 cities across 21 countries and six continents. Since 2017, approximately US$70 million has been donated through the initiative.

Participating nonprofits vary by location and include: Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Little Friends, Loaves & Fishes, Volunteers of America Illinois, Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, Watts of Love, CWS, Splash, Clubfoot Solutions, American Red Cross, iDE Global, Academy for Creating Enterprise, Days for Girls, Mentors International, UNICEF USA, Water for Good, Special Olympics USA.