Donations from #LightTheWorld Giving Machines to Benefit Thousands Across the Philippines

Donations gathered through the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines project were recently handed over to partner charities, bringing aid to thousands of beneficiaries throughout the Philippines.

Last February 22, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a Handover of Donations event at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. Elder Neil L. Andersen, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest governing body of the Church, presided over the event. He was joined by his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen.

Elder Steven R. Bangerter, the President of the Philippines Area, gave the welcome remarks. He was joined by his second counselor, Elder Carlos G. Revillo, Jr. Their wives, Susan Bangerter and Marie Revillo, also participated in the event.

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In his message, Elder Andersen testified of the importance of loving all of God’s children and said we show Him our love through serving each other. “When you love God, you cannot stop by loving Him,” Elder Andersen said.

“You have to love His creatures, His sons and daughters who live among us. You cannot love God without loving your brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of God,” the Apostle emphasized.

The Giving Machines, launched last November in Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City and Ayala Center Cebu, enabled the public to participate in instant and affordable acts of service during the Christmas season.

Launched last November in Ayala Malls TriNoma in Quezon City and Ayala Center Cebu, the Giving Machines offered the public an easy and meaningful way to participate in acts of service during the Christmas season. Like a traditional vending machine, donors could select specific items to benefit people in need.

Items included food packs, hygiene kits, educational materials, student financial aid, emergency kits, vitamins, eyeglasses, medical supplies, water kits, mobility aids, immunization packages, and psychosocial support. Prices ranged from PHP 50.00 to PHP 1,000.00.

Elder Andersen highlighted the parable of the Widow’s Mite and likened it to the Filipino donors who have hearts that are “good, pure and willing to give.” "It's not how much we give, it’s that you give, and you give what you can," he added.

Over PHP 700,000.00 was collected from more than 4,500 donors at machines installed in TriNoma, Ayala Center Cebu, and near the Manila Philippines Administration Office of the Church. In addition, the Church donated PHP 500,000 to each charitable organization.

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For his part, Elder Bangerter testified of the Savior Jesus Christ, who is the main reason for the #LightTheWorld initiative year after year. “Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world,” he said. “We are so grateful for His teachings that enable us to guide our lives in such a way that by lifting the burdens of others, we lift our own,”

The Church covers all operational costs for every donated item made through the Giving Machines, ensuring that 100 percent of every donation goes to recipients identified by participating non-profit organizations, including Caritas Manila, Caritas Cebu, Feed The Children, Inc., HERO Foundation, Inc., Mabuhay Deseret Foundation and UNICEF Philippines.

Caritas Manila and its Cebu subsidiary, Caritas Cebu, provide immediate aid and relief to local communities affected by natural and man-made disasters and other crises. They also sustain effective feeding programs for children in many poor communities nationwide.

Mabuhay Deseret Foundation works with Filipino doctors to facilitate life-changing surgeries for individuals with disfigurations and other debilitating conditions. The foundation also donates prescription and reading glasses for students and older people.

HERO Foundation honors members of the Philippines Armed Forces who were killed or incapacitated by ensuring that their children have a bright future through education.

Feed the Children is dedicated to ending childhood hunger and malnourishment in the country, while UNICEF Philippines works to promote and protect the rights of every Filipino child.