4 Charities in Utah County will Benefit from Orem #LightTheWorld Giving Machines

My husband and I with the Atkinsons

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we serve in a variety of ways in our church.  Typically an invitation to serve in a specific capacity (often referred to as a calling) is extended by a bishop or stake president.  During the fires on the south end of Utah County in 2018, my husband and I were invited by Elder Blake Roney to serve on the Utah County Communication Council for the church.  Our area stretches from Orem on the north all the way to Delta on the south. We are invisible helpers assisting 109 stake presidents, 6 area seventies, and our 5 Utah County Welfare and Self Reliance Service managers with communication needs.

First, I need to share how much I love our calling.  We have met and worked with amazing government, education, nonprofit, and interfaith leaders over the last year.  I love catching glimpses of all the good things going on within the church, in other churches, among nonprofits in our area, and in our schools and universities. I am inspired daily by those with whom I come in contact.

One of the perks of this calling is that you sometimes get exciting information before the public does.  Mid-September I was asked to attend a special meeting with the heads of 4 charities in our area and management from the University Place Mall in Orem where we learned details about an announcement which would be made at the beginning of November.  There would be 10 #LightTheWorld giving machine locations around the world, and Orem would be one of the new locations.

Giving Machine locations and their opening dates are:

• Manila, Philippines—November 8 (TriNoma Mall)
• Las Vegas, Nevada—November 14 (Downtown Summerlin)
• Laie, Oahu, Hawaii—November 20 (Polynesian Cultural Center)
• Gilbert, Arizona—November 20 (Water Tower Plaza)
• Salt Lake City, Utah—November 26 (Joseph Smith Memorial Building)
• Orem, Utah—November 26 (University Place Mall)
• Denver, Colorado—November 26 (Writer Square)
• San Jose, California—November 29 (Christmas in the Park)
• New York, New York—December 3 (Manhattan New York Temple)
• London, England—December 3 (Hyde Park Visitors’ Centre)

The Orem mission president and UVU/Young Single Adult leaders have been busy coordinating the volunteers that will help staff and stock the machines as needed.  I have been busy sharing about the machines coming to Orem on Social Media and planning an Opening Event. We are all excited about the Giving Machines and the blessing that they will be to those who need help in our area and around the globe.

Our machines in Orem will benefit two global charities and 4 local charities- the United Way of Utah County, Community Action Services and Food Bank, Family Support & Treatment Center, and the Center for Women and Children in Crisis.  The church is covering the administrative costs, so 100% of what you donate will go to those items purchased.  The video below depicts the mission and how the machines work.

Here are some of the things that you can purchase at the Orem Giving Machines for the 6 charities to distribute to people in need. 

We would love to have you come visit the Giving Machines at the University Place Mall during the malls hours open from November 26th- January 1st.  If you google map Los Hermanos in Orem, it will take you right to the entrance of the mall (outside Los Hermanos) which leads you directly to the giving machines.  I will be in and out helping as needed, so you might catch me there during the Christmas season. Help us #LightTheWorld this Christmas season!