The Light The World Donation Machines are returning once again to Spitalfields in London, giving families, shoppers, and nearby office workers the opportunity to give back this festive season.
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the machines are part of a global campaign running across 26 countries, spanning 149 cities. In 2025, 4.8 million items were bought through the campaign worldwide.
The interactive touch-screen machines, now in their 3rd year in London, offer a unique way to make a charitable donation, by working like vending machines in reverse. Instead of buying snacks or drinks, these machines allow shoppers to purchase items chosen by the campaign’s charity partners. The Church covers all the costs of running the machines, so 100% of every donation goes directly to the chosen charity to fund the items selected by the individual.
The Light The World Machine donations can go towards helping someone right in the city of London. For example, through The Felix Project, which is a London-based food redistribution charity, people can donate £5 to provide meals for 15 people who are experiencing homelessness in the capital city. Or, through JRS UK, which advocates for refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced people in the UK, donations from £6 can be made towards books, to £50 for baby essentials. Shoppers can also support Right To Play, striving to protect, educate, and empower children to rise above adversity using the power of play across the world.
Through iDE Global, an international development charity that helps people in low-income rural communities earn a living, people can also donate £42 to give a goat to a family living in the regions of Africa, Asia or Latin America.
Meanwhile for just £3, through ShelterBox, the international disaster relief charity which provides emergency shelter and household essentials to families who have lost their homes to natural disasters or conflict, an essential mosquito net can be provided to someone.
The Light The World Donation Machines launch day will be taking place on the 28th of November. Natasha Colborne, London campaign lead, Jenny Wrens, London campaign volunteer, charity partners, politicians, amongst others, will be attending the launch day, to celebrate the campaign and the festive time of giving.
The Donation Machines are also located in the Trafford Centre in Manchester and the Bullring in Birmingham. Or, donations can be made for the first time online via the Donation Machine website, https://www.lighttheworld.co.uk.
Natasha Colborne, Light The World Machines Lead for London at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:
“Anyone Christmas shopping at Spitalfields this December can stop by the Donation Machines and support someone in need, either here in London or in another part of the world.
“Each gift pays for a named item, so people know precisely what they’ve funded and who will benefit.
“So many Londoners want to give back over Christmas, yet it can be hard to know the best way.
“Our hope is that the Light the World machines become a fixture of the season for families across the capital, and a chance to think about those in need.”
