Sharon, Vermont one of 106 Cities Worldwide to Host Light the World Giving Machines this Holiday Season Vending Machines make giving fun, easy, and memorable.

Sharon, Vermont — Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family, or job training for the underemployed? From November 29th through December 3rd and again December 20th-30th, visitors at the Joseph Smith Birthplace in Sharon, Vermont can purchase essential items from a Light the World Giving Machine to help those in need here in the Upper Valley or throughout the world.

The festivities kick off with a grand unveiling on November 29th at 7 PM at the Joseph Smith Birthplace with the "Christmas Lights On" event. This event will bring together community members to celebrate the spirit of generosity as they experience firsthand how these innovative vending machines allow individuals to purchase essential items for those in need. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the various nonprofits featured in the machines, including local organizations like the Vermont Foodbank and international partners such as UNICEF. The evening promises to be memorable, emphasizing community connection and kindness during this festive season.

The Giving Machine is part of the annual Light the World initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church covers all operational expenses, enabling participating nonprofit organizations to receive one hundred percent of every donation. This year, Giving Machines will appear in more than one hundred cities worldwide, providing a fun, unique, and memorable way to do an instant act of kindness for someone in need.

The nonprofits featured in the Sharon, Vermont Giving Machines are:
Vermont Foodbank
Capstone Community Action
Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Chittenden County
Special Needs Support Center of the Upper Valley
iDE
UNICEF International
International Development Enterprises, or iDE, is one of two global charities in the Giving Machines this year. CEO Elizabeth Welch is honored to be included. "The Giving Machines foster community and spark generosity for others during this season of giving, making it easy for people to give generously to a wide range of nonprofit organizations with both local and global reach."

Giving Machines first appeared in 2017, and more than $32 million has been contributed. With those funds, participating nonprofits have delivered hundreds of thousands of items worldwide.

Visit the New England Giving Machine Facebook and Instagram pages for more information. To learn more about this global initiative, visit http://givingmachine.org.

Event Info

Dec 26, 2024, 2 to 4 PM

Dec 30, 2024, 4 to 5 PM

Dec 31, 2024, 4 to 5 PM