Light the World Machines Return to the UK

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Light the World Machines returned to the United Kingdom this December with festive launch events in Birmingham and London to mark the beginning of this year’s initiative. Community leaders, charity representatives, volunteers and neighbours attended these events, where the machines were unveiled in ribbon cutting ceremonies.

The Light the World Machines, which have returned to UK Shopping Centres for the second year running, offer the public a unique opportunity to donate to trusted national and local charities. Instead of buying snacks or drinks, these unique vending machines allow people to “purchase” items for those in need. Each machine features a range of donation options linked to a trusted charity and ranges from essentials like hygiene kits and school supplies to livestock and meals. With just a tap of a card, donors can instantly contribute to trusted charities, knowing that 100% of their donation goes directly to the cause.

This year, new digital versions of the machines were unveiled in Birmingham, featuring interactive touch-screen interfaces similar to a self-service kiosk. Visitors can browse a variety of charitable causes and learn more about how their donation is making a real difference to those in need, both in the UK and abroad.

This year the charities featured in the machines include:

· Baby Basics: A UK network of “baby banks” providing practical essentials for children from pre-birth to age five.

· Bags of Blessings: A Nottingham-based charity distributing donated gifts to disadvantaged young people aged 0 to 16 through food banks and partner organisations.

· The Felix Project: London’s largest food redistribution charity, reducing food waste and fighting hunger by delivering nutritious meals to vulnerable communities.

· FareShare: The UK’s leading food rescue network, turning surplus food into millions of meals each year.

· iDE Global: An international organisation empowering rural families through sustainable farming and livestock donations.

· Jesuit Refugee Service: A global charity offering practical and emotional support to refugees and asylum seekers.

· Muslim Aid: A global charity supporting vulnerable communities worldwide with school kits, hygiene packs and more.

· ShelterBox: An international disaster relief charity providing emergency shelter and life-saving aid to families affected by conflict or natural disaster.

· Under One Sky: A UK-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness by providing life essentials and personal connection.

Both launch events featured festive musical performances, inspiring remarks from Church leaders and charity partners, and the unveiling of the bright red donation machines.

In Birmingham, the machines will be available at Grand Central until Sunday the 21^st of December 2025. At the launch event, Professor Helen Higson OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, cut the ribbon opening the pathway to the machines followed by applause. Charity representatives in attendance spoke of the positive impact in partnering with Light the World.

Sabrina Oakey, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Baby Basics Northampton, who feature in the machines this year, said:

“The whole team at Baby Basics Northampton is so excited to be a part of the Light the World machines this year. To be included alongside the other amazing national and local charities is such an honour. We’re most excited to see the difference it will make to the vulnerable new parents and babies we support.

“Donating via the Light the World Machine is such as an innovative way to give back this Christmas. The item you choose on the machine is exactly what those in need will receive. So, if you choose a moses basket for example you can return home feeling proud that you have given a newborn a safe place to sleep this winter.”

Jonathan Maxwell, who leads the Light the World initiative in Birmingham, said:

“The Light the World Machines make giving to worthy charities so easy and most of us want to make the world a little bit better. I love the fact that each charity will make sure that 100% of what is donated goes to what it says it will. I also love the choice of options that are available this year.”

For many who serve during the Christmas season, volunteering at the machines carries a deeper significance as it allows them to help those in need, as Jesus Christ did.

James Thompson from Birmingham, who volunteers at the machines with his wife Dili Thompson, said:

“My wife and I were very excited to be part of day one of this year’s Light the world campaign. We really enjoyed speaking to people about our digital Light the World Machines and sharing the joy of this special time of year. It is a privilege for us to share the Saviour’s love and light with everyone.”

In London, the machines will be available at Spitalfields Market until Saturday the 20^th of December 2025. At the official launch event, guests wore bright red scarfs, enjoyed listening to musical performances and heard partner charity representatives share examples of donations translating into real-world impact.

Charity collaborations are at the heart of Light the World, ensuring donations meet current and urgent needs in local and global communities. These collaborations not only provide funding, but also strengthen community connections and amplify the voices of those supporting vulnerable individuals.

Liam Allmark of Jesuit Refugee Service UK reflected following the London launch event:

“We are delighted to partner with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the Light the World initiative in Birmingham and London this Advent. These machines offer a wonderful way to give a gift that truly changes lives: from hot meals for people seeking sanctuary, to baby essentials for children born into the asylum system. This initiative perfectly reflects the spirit of Christmas, which as we remember is the story of a refugee family.”

Prior to the reveals in Birmingham and London, the machines were brought to a pre-launch reception in Westminster where charity representatives were able to speak with MPs, Lords, and diplomats in attendance, about the impact of last year’s campaign and their hopes for future collaboration with Light the World.

UK launches are part of a global initiative spanning more than 100 cities across five continents. Every donation made at the Light the World Machines contributes to a worldwide network of support. As Christians worldwide reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light the World initiative serves as a reminder of His call to love our neighbour and care for the stranger. Simple acts of service this Christmas season can carry forward His message: to lift, bless and bring light into the lives of others.