Making a Difference this Christmas Season
For the past 6 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been partnering with local and global charities through the Light the World Campaign. Since launching in 2017, the Giving Machines have helped raise 22 million dollars for these organizations, bringing hope to communities around the world. The church pays all overhead expenses, allowing all money donated to go completely towards helping others. Here are the numbers for what the Giving Machines were able to fund in 2022:
- vaccinations for 517,000 children
- 41,000 chickens
- school supplies for 28,000 children
- 25,000 ducks
- safe shelter for 3,400 people
- scholarships for 3,000 children and teens
- shoes, socks and warm winter clothing for 35,000 children and adults
- 3,800 beehives
- the protection of 459 women and children from further domestic violence or child abuse
Christmas has a special application to the discipline of Public Health at BYU: As followers of Christ, we are motivated to make the world a better place, and improve the lives of people in all nations of the world, “Black or white, bond or free, male or female”. Charity during the Christmas season doesn’t have to be limited to the people we know, and can have a far reaching impact if we let it.
If you’re looking for a way to personally take part in public health this holiday season, you can visit the closest Giving Machines at University Place Mall in Orem, or City Creek Food Court in Salt Lake City. Donations are also easy to make on their website:
To hear more stories about the impact of last year’s donations, watch this video posted by the church last month:
