Vending machines where donating to a charity of your choice is as easy as buying a candy bar.

Insert a credit or debit card and select one or more items from the vending machine. A Styrofoam card with a photo of the item you have purchased will drop to the bottom of the machine, signifying the purchase you have made.

The Giving Machines accept all major U.S. credit cards and debit cards – just like a regular vending machine. However, it does not accept cash.

The Giving Machines are located at Oakland Temple Hill in front of Temple Hill Auditorium, just across from the Visitors’ Center. Parking is free.

The machines are open 9:00am – 9:00pm, from November 23 – January 3.

When you’re looking for the just-right gift for someone who has everything, why not consider buying something for someone who needs everything? For a single purchase over $25, show your electronic receipt to a volunteer at the Giving Machines to get a Light the World card so you can notify your recipient of the gift you purchased in his/her name.

Choose from 3 local charities and 3 global charities:

Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program – Provide food, household furnishings, care and compassion to those in need in Emeryville, California and the surrounding Bay Area communities.

George Mark Children’s House – Life-affirming care and comfort for children and their families.

Tri-Valley Haven – A vital community organization that serves adults and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or homelessness.

WaterAid – Transforming lives by improving access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.

CWS Global – Feeding the hungry and assisting the vulnerable around the world.

UNICEF – Saving and protecting the world’s most vulnerable children.

You can select from different items ranging from pajamas for children in need to a meal for a family to two hens and a rooster for a family in a developing country. Click here to see the options each charity selected, based on the high-priority needs they have identified for the populations they serve.

Items in the Oakland Giving Machines range from $5 to $300.

At a Light the World Giving Machine, all of your donation – 100% – reaches the people served. Overhead costs for the machines, credit card fees, and the administrative fees for the designated charity are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

You and your family and friends get to actually see and choose what to give.
Take a selfie while you’re there and share it with your friends and family as you help #LightTheWorld!

Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Electronic receipts will be available by text or email.