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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Light the World giving machines raised a total of $5.8 million in donations during the 2021 Christmas season, the church announced Wednesday.
Through the machines, about 300,000 people donated clothing for almost 20,000 children; over 800,000 polio vaccines; chickens for over 80,000 families; over 10,000 menstrual care kits; 1.7 million meals, and many other items to people around the world.
Funds will be distributed to 49 charities, five of which are global agencies and the rest are based in the United States.
In a reception held in New York City, one of 10 cities with Giving Machines in 2021, members of the five global organizations gathered to celebrate the donations.
Lacy Stone, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees agency, said the funds they received will help over 82 million refugees around the world with core relief items — including blankets, solar lanterns and tents.
"These efforts absolutely are making a difference for the tens of thousands of children, women and men who have been forced to flee," said Stone. "For them, it makes all the difference in the world."
The United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, plans to use funds to offer education, immunization and meals to children around the world. The church's partnership with UNICEF is in its 10th year.
The other global organizations receiving donations are Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Church World Service and WaterAid.
Robert Hokanson, the church's senior manager for humanitarian global priorities, said these partnerships "are indispensable links to alleviating suffering everywhere."
Since the giving machines were introduced in 2017, Hokason said they have raised over $15 million. The church expects that the initiative will grow in the next years.
"People are looking for things that they can contribute to and be a part of," Hokanson said. "That sentiment is everywhere throughout the world."
The giving machines are part of the church's annual Light the World Christmas initiative. Because the church covers any operational fees, everything donated is able to go directly to the organizations.
