Spread Some Holiday Cheer in Knoxville with the “Light the World Giving Machine”!
This holiday season, Knoxville is buzzing with excitement and opportunities to give back to the community. The “Light the World Giving Machine”, a unique and heartfelt initiative aimed at helping local charities, returns to our beautiful city from Wednesday, Nov. 20 to Tuesday, Dec. 3. It’s the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer while making a real impact right here in East Tennessee!
What’s the Giving Machine All About?
You may be wondering, what exactly is a Giving Machine? Great question! Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, these special vending machines allow locals to donate items and services to various charities in need. It’s a delightful twist on traditional giving, where instead of snacks or drinks, you get to contribute to some of the most wonderful causes in our community.
Where Can You Find Them?
This year, the Giving Machines will be conveniently located at 524 Gay Street. Last year, these machines worked wonders, raising over $31,000 for various local charities. Can you believe it? That’s nearly 1,400 items donated! People were able to gift everything from family meal kits to childcare and housing assistance. Talk about community spirit!
Who Will Benefit?
We all love to see our hard-earned money go to a good cause, and with the Giving Machines, it’s clear we’re making a difference. Some of the local charities that will benefit from this year’s donations include:
- Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley
- Centro Hispano de East Tennessee
- Knoxville Area Urban League
- Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
- Volunteer Ministry Center
That’s a fantastic lineup of organizations committed to helping our community thrive!
Exciting Events Kicking Off the Initiative
Mark your calendars because this year’s event is starting off with a bang! On November 20, the festivities will kick off with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Just when you think it can’t get any better, a launch party will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center. And don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a special performance by Chris Blue — that’s sure to make for a delightful evening! So gather your friends and family and come celebrate the spirit of giving!
A Chance to Donate and Connect
The Giving Machines will be available 24/7, making it super easy for anyone to stop by and lend a helping hand. Throughout the duration of the event, there will even be volunteers on-site and fun activities planned to engage the community. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can donate at your convenience!
This is a wonderful chance to not only give back but also connect with your neighbors while making an enormous difference in the lives of those in need. So, as we dive into this festive season, let’s come together and light the world with our generosity!
