Over 4,900 items donated at Indiana’s Light the World Giving Machines

The bright red Light the World Giving Machines in Indianapolis have once again demonstrated the generosity of Hoosiers during the 2024 holiday season. Since 2023, nearly 23,000 Hoosier adults, teens, and children have generously donated 13,000 items and services worth more than $400,000 at Indy-based Giving Machines.

In 2024, generous Hoosiers purchased items through the Giving Machines to support five local and two global charities, making a significant impact on individuals and families throughout central Indiana and beyond.

“The annual Light the World Giving Machine initiative continues to show the warmth and kindness of Indiana residents,” Giving Machine Indy Co-Chair Bob Petersen said. “Each donation represents a moment when a Hoosier chose to reach out and lift someone they may never meet but to whom they will always be connected.”

2024 Giving Machine Indy highlights

The 2024 Giving Machine initiative in Indianapolis provided vital support across a range of humanitarian needs, including nearly 21,000 meals for hungry Hoosiers, over 900 winter clothing items and hygiene kits for those in need, 375 school supply packages for children, 86 overnight stays for families during medical crises, and more than 1,300 chickens providing sustainable food sources.

• Nourishing bodies and souls: “We just had a graduation today – and next week, we’re welcoming 14 new students into our culinary job training program,” said Michelle Woodruff, Manager of Volunteer Services at Second Helpings. “These donations help us keep that promise: that when they walk through the door, we’ve got them covered.”
• Warmth and dignity for Veterans: “Since the fire last fall, we’ve moved 59 veterans into permanent housing,” Helping Veterans and Families CEO Emmy Hildebrand said. “Each donated move-in kit represents a fresh start for a veteran. That’s a big impact.”
• Transformational opportunities for neighbors: “These items go out the door daily,” Elizabeth Burke-Boskovich, Senior Director of Advancement at Horizon House said. “They’re more than supplies – they’re tools of dignity and hope. A clean shower, a fresh pair of socks, a ride to a job interview … it’s the start of a transformation.”
• Shelter during medical crises: “Unlike a hotel, we never send a family away because their time is up,” said Jenna Slesinski, Marketing Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana. “Thanks to generous Hoosiers and the Giving Machines, we’re able to say: stay as long as you need.”
• Opening doors through education: “Kids don’t just paint,” said Jackie Lai, Director of Marketing, Communications, & JEDI Initiatives at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. “They connect, they open up, and they begin to see what they’re capable of. These classes are about more than art.”
• Giving chickens turns into global impact: “A woman who has 10 chickens laying 10 eggs a day is able to sell the eggs and send her daughter to school,” said Mary Concepter Obiero, director of relief development and protection for Church World Service Africa. “You may not have realized when you are giving chicks that the chicken’s eggs can actually keep someone in school and they can be able to finish school.”

Community members like Laramie Meyer and her son Logan felt the joy of giving throughout the 2024 season.

“The power of giving not only makes you feel good inside,” Laramie said as they made their donation, “but the best part is knowing you were able to help others.”

The Light the World Giving Machine initiative, launched in 2017 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, continues to grow globally. In 2024, Giving Machines operated in 107 cities across 13 countries on five continents, generating over 490,000 donations of vital items and services.

A key feature of this initiative is that 100 percent of all donations go directly to the selected charities, as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational expenses.

The Giving Machines will return to Indiana for the 2025 holiday season to help shine a light on more charities doing great work throughout the Hoosier state and beyond.

To learn more about how your donation makes a difference, visit GivingMachine.org.