IDAHO FALLS – A unique form of charitable giving has arrived in Idaho Falls for the holiday season. Three “Giving Machines,” sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were unveiled Monday at the Grand Teton Mall. Functioning like reverse vending machines, the devices allow individuals to purchase items such as meals, clothing, or livestock for people in need, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to charitable organizations. The initiative is part of the church’s annual “Light the World” campaign, which encourages acts of kindness during Christmas.
The machines support six local and two international charities. The eastern Idaho beneficiaries include the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, The Village, Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, and Friends in Service Here. Donations can also be directed to the global charities Right to Play and Care. This marks the first year the traveling machines have been available in the region, having already made stops in Pocatello and Rexburg before arriving in Idaho Falls.
The launch event at the mall featured several speakers and a performance by musician Jay Osmond, a member of the famous Osmond family who recently moved to the area and joined the Sandhill Media radio group. Osmond spoke about the importance of charitable giving to capture the true spirit of Christmas and encouraged the community to participate. Glenn Rawson, host of “The Sounds of Sunday” radio show on 100.7 MyFM, also urged attendees to make a donation, emphasizing the profound impact their contributions could have on someone’s life.
Community and business support for the initiative is already underway. Fifth-grade students from Rimrock Elementary were recognized at the event for raising $3,000 for the Giving Machines. Following the launch, Logan Hall, CEO of Brad Hall Companies, announced that his company had made a significant donation and challenged other local businesses, including Idaho National Laboratory, Kiewit, and Idaho Steel, to join the effort and inspire their employees to contribute.
According to Alan Avondet, one of the event’s city leads, the response in other eastern Idaho cities was overwhelmingly positive. The Giving Machines will remain at the Grand Teton Mall for the public to use through January 1. After the donation period ends, the church will audit the funds and distribute them to the participating charities in the spring.
