More Than 7418 Total Items Purchased Locally Bring Hope and Joy to Thousands of People Here and Abroad

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- From December 18th - December 29th, the bright red vending machines of the Light the World Giving Machine initiative illuminated Hughes Landing Bandshell Area in Hughes Landing, The Woodlands. In this short period, more than 2500 visitors generously gave of themselves to help lift and support someone in need—whether in our community or across the world.

President Roy Richter, President over the nine Woodlands congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared, “The Light the World Giving Machines at Hughes Landing in The Woodlands served as a special gathering place for our community to come together in the spirit of giving. Over 2,500 donors selected items from local and global charity partners, showing love and compassion to those in need. This effort was a beautiful celebration of the birth of our Savior and a powerful reminder of His call to love our neighbors—not just during the Christmas season, but always.”

Items available for purchase were provided by several local organizations, including Interfaith of The Woodlands, TOMAGWA, Sole Mission and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Here in The Woodlands, donations will provide:

Amanda Poole, Director of Development and Marketing with Interfaith of The Woodlands provided the following information:

“With the incredibly generous funding provided by the Giving Machines, Interfaith of The Woodlands will be able to provide:

• 375 toys for children during the holidays.
• 242 gifts for Seniors during the holidays
• 228 infant care products
• 54 packs of school supplies + backpacks
• 631 winter coats”

Each individual receiving one of these items will be touched by the generosity of the caring donors from our community.

Launched in 2017 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the annual Light the World Giving Machine initiative has become a global phenomenon. In 2024, vending machines were in 107 cities across 13 countries and five continents, impacting millions of individuals and families. Since the first Giving Machine was switched on, nearly US$50 million has been donated by children, teens, and adults worldwide.