GIVING BACK
Text and photos courtesy of Giving Machine NWA
Light the World Giving Machine to Return to Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas will welcome back the Light the World Giving Machine to the Bentonville Square this month. These famous “vending machines” collect donations for the items most needed by the eight participating local and global charities and will be open to the public Dec. 11 through Dec. 28, located at 201 NE A St. in Bentonville.
Since 2017, the Light the World Giving Machine initiative has helped raise nearly $50 million in donations for global and local charities from more than 2 million donors.
In 2024, the initiative expanded to 13 countries, with a Giving Machine available in 107 cities, including, for the first time, in Arkansas. The Northwest Arkansas Giving Machine effort included 2,100 individual transactions, purchasing more than 5,400 needed items for the participating charities.
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This year, the Giving Machine NWA will include a variety of items ranging in price from $5 to $150, each carefully selected by participating charities to meet the most urgent needs of those it serves in the region. Those who visit the machine may select to donate items such as a nutritious meal, bedding, a bicycle or a winter coat to people in need in Northwest Arkansas. To provide global support, they can purchase clean water, chickens or even fruit trees to support a family in need worldwide.
The selected 2025 charity participants include The Salvation Army Northwest Arkansas Area Command, Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana, Pedal It Forward, Havenwood, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Mentors International and Water for Good.
“Many of our members and their families love that Boys & Girls Club of Benton County is a fun, safe and affordable place that values community and gives back,” said Ali O’Neill, marketing and communications manager for Boys & Girls Club of Benton County. “This opportunity allows us to continue providing cost-effective support for our club kids and teens. We also hope that our club members and their families can see the positive impact that community giving can have.”
The Giving Machine is part of a larger Light the World initiative, a worldwide effort sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to encourage people to show love and service to others in the same way Jesus did during His life. As part of its commitment to global humanitarian work, the church covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100% of every donation goes directly to the charity chosen by each donor.
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“Ronald McDonald House is proud to be part of something that betters the entire community,” said Savannah Skidmore-Roesler, community engagement associate for Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana. “The Giving Machine also adds to the wonder of Christmas that downtown Bentonville already captures so well.”