The Light the World Giving Machine is returning to the Charlotte area with a new home at Carolina Place Mall. From November 19 to December 7, visitors can “purchase” meaningful items that provide relief, education, and hope for people in need, both locally and globally. Offerings range from simple necessities, such as laundry detergent for a neighbor in need, to empowering resources like a goat for a family across the world. Donation amounts vary from $5 to $180, inviting individuals, families, and community groups of all sizes to participate.
This year’s Giving Machine includes the following four local charities, and two global charities:
- Ada Jenkins Center — Strengthening families in northern Mecklenburg County with integrated services in health, education, and economic mobility.
- Classroom Central — Equipping local teachers and students in need with free school supplies to foster learning and success.
- Common Heart — Fighting local hunger through food pantries, grocery deliveries, and empowerment programs in Union and surrounding counties.
- MiraVia — Providing life-affirming support for pregnant women and new mothers, including housing for student-moms pursuing education.
- American Red Cross — Delivering disaster response, preparedness, blood services, and humanitarian aid.
- Church World Service — Supporting refugees and communities worldwide with emergency relief and resilience-building programs.
“We are so excited to be part of the Giving Machine,” said Karen Calder, executive director of Classroom Central. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to really rally around our students and teachers. It may sound simple. It’s a backpack or it’s a notebook. But really, it’s that extra something that says to a child: We see you. We believe in you. You can be successful in life.”
What is a Giving Machine?
The Light the World Giving Machine is a reimagined “vending machine for good.” Instead of dispensing soda and snacks, visitors purchase much-needed items requested by trusted charities. Donors simply select an item card, such as “baby pajamas” or “winter coat”, make their payment, and watch as the card drops into a collection bin to represent their donation. A digital receipt confirms the purchase and the charity receives 100% of the donation to provide that specific kind of help, with all operational costs covered by the initiative’s sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Since the first machines appeared in 2017, donors have contributed more than $44 million, enabling participating nonprofits to deliver hundreds of thousands of essential items worldwide. In 2025, the Giving Machine will operate in 126 cities across 21 countries on six continents, with new international locations this year in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Spain, and Thailand. To learn more about this global initiative, visit GivingMachine.org.
Plan Your Visit
- Dates & Hours: November 19–December 7, 2025 (mall hours)
- Location: Carolina Place Mall (11025 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134), first floor on the corner between Belk and Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Videos, Social Channels & Events Calendar: hopp.bio/givingmachinecharlotte
