Light up the world Gift giving machines are in there 107 cities in 13 countries on five continents During the 2024 holiday season, several celebrities and athletes commented on social media about the large, vending machine-like machines that allow users to select items to donate instead of purchasing a drink or snack.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened the first donation machines in 2017 at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, Utah

Comedian Nate Bargatze invited people in Nashville, Tennessee to visit Light the World Giving Machines.

“In just a few seconds you can purchase essential items for the people here in our community,” he said in the video shared on Instagram.

BYU and NBA basketball legend Jimmer Fredette co-promoted the machines GivingMachineSeattle on Instagram.

Fredette said he and his family visit the machines every year and plan to do so again this year in Denver, Colorado.

Another video on Instagram shows him and his wife at the Giving Machines in Denver with dogs from one of the charities available for donations in the Denver area. Dog Partner of the Rocky Mountains.

Actor Kirby Heyborne shared a video on Instagram promoting the opening of Giving Machines in Orem, Utah.

Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs NFL team shared videos online in support of the Giving Machines, including tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“You know how much I love giving back to this community and this holiday season we have a fun way we can all give back,” Kelce said in an Instagram Reel. “Make someone else’s Christmas or holiday season so much better.”

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and his wife Tammy Reid appear in a short video announcing the return of the Giving Machines to Kansas City.

Also in Kansas City, dancing twin brothers Luke and Paul Harwerth appear in an Instagram post dancing to a Bonner Family song in front of Giving Machines. The Bonner family – a family that performs together – also helped found Giving Machines in California in 2018.

“Danger!” Game show host Ken Jennings appeared in a video for the Giving Machines in Seattle, Washington and said he has a deep love for vending machines, particularly the Giving Machines.

“If you’re wondering how you can spread a little light during this dark holiday season, the correct answer is, ‘What are fundraising machines?'” he said, echoing “Jeopardy!” Way to answer quizzes with one question.