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| A Giving Machine kiosk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday, November 30, 2025. This is the first time the kiosks have been available in South America. |
The Christmas season is officially kicking off, and this year, the spirit of giving has a brand-new destination: South America!
For the first time ever, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has brought the popular Giving Machine kiosks to the continent, with installations in Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Soon, they will also arrive in São Paulo, Brazil, spreading the "Light the World" message of Christ-like service.
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| Cinthia Hurtado, center manager of Parque Arauco, at the opening ceremony of the Giving Machine kiosks on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in Santiago, Chile. |
Shopping with a Purpose
Forget the usual holiday shopping stress. These aren't just vending machines—they're opportunities to perform instant, impactful acts of charity.
Instead of buying a soda or a snack, you can purchase essential items that go directly to local charities. And here's the best part, as Elder Gabriel Campos, an Area Seventy, emphasized: The Church covers all operating costs, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the organizations!
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| Participants at the opening ceremony of the Giving Machine kiosks in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, look for an item to donate. |
Making a Local Impact
The heart of this initiative is supporting organizations right in the community. Here are just a few of the incredible foundations being helped in this inaugural year:
Chile's Focus: Care and Health
Donations in Santiago support vital care for children:
COANIQUEM: Free rehabilitation for children with burns.
Fundación Gantz: Treatment for children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
Fundación Deportistas por un Sueño: Support for children with complex or terminal illnesses, providing dignity and companionship.
As Cristián Miranda of Deportistas por un Sueño shared, “This campaign not only provides financial support but also visibility. We seek to give [our children] dignity, care, and companionship.”
Argentina's Focus: Inclusion and Dignity
The kiosks in Buenos Aires are funding food, clothing, and critical support for:
CILSA: Promoting the inclusion and education of people with disabilities.
FANDA: Providing treatment and "days of listening" for children with hearing loss.
Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital: Helping a high-complexity hospital improve the health of thousands of patients.
Amigos en el Camino: Extending friendship and aid to those experiencing homelessness.
Gina Romano, president of FANDA, beautifully summarized the impact, explaining that a donation is a chance to give a child the opportunity "to hear, speak, and learn."
A Chain of Generosity
The official opening ceremonies in both countries emphasized that this campaign is about much more than money. It's about connecting the giver to the receiver and experiencing the true meaning of Christmas.
Elder Alan R. Walker of the Church's South America South Area Presidency noted: "We are not celebrating an advertising campaign, but the Savior and the opportunity to follow His example by giving the best of ourselves to others."
Mónica De Russis of Amigos en el Camino concluded, "Christmas is a time for love, and love has many forms... This initiative by the Church takes us by the hand and helps us extend another hand to those waiting for someone to look at them, call them by name and give them a chance.”
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| Gina Romano, president of FANDA, and Flavia Ruggiero, vice president of FANDA, participate in the opening ceremony of the Giving Machine kiosks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday, November 30, 2025. |
Experience the Giving Machine
If you are in or near the region, stop by and make an instant difference:
1. Santiago, Chile (Location opened November 26, 2025)
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina (Location opened November 30, 2025)
3. São Paulo, Brazil (Arriving later in December 2025)
Which organization would you be most excited to support this Christmas? Share your thoughts below!
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