Get Involved!
From November 29, 2023 to January 1, 2024, drop by Ballston Quarter Shopping Mall in Arlington, VA, to bring light and joy to those in need this Holiday Season through the Giving Machines! When you give through these special red vending machines, you’re partnering with the following organizations to make a difference.
- VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas
- American Red Cross
- CARE
- EcoAction Arlington
- Willing Warriors
- Young Doctors Project
For questions, email us at contactus@voaches.org.
Family Fun Activities!
Join us on Sat, December 16th from 10AM – 7PM at Ballston Quarter Shopping Mall in Arlington for some FREE holiday fun! Find us at the Giving Machines located on level M1 near Santa Claus inside the Wilson Blvd entrance.
- Gingerbread house decorating
- Holiday story time for kids
- FREE holiday goodies
- FREE holiday photos
- Sweepstakes Giveaways
About Giving Machines
The Giving Machine is a popular and visible part of Light the World, the annual Christmas initiative sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Light the World Giving Machines are in high-traffic areas of select cities worldwide. Each machine includes dozens of cards representing items needed by global and local nonprofit organizations, including Volunteers of America.
How They Work
Since 2016, Light the World has invited the global community to extend love and kindness by serving others. These customized red vending machines provide a unique, memorable, and fun way to assist the needy—around the block or around the world.
After looking through the options and making a purchase, donors watch as cards fall into a sealed collection bin. They smile, take pictures, post experiences, and relish in knowing that the life of someone they’ll never meet is now a little more bright.
Each item varies in price (from $2 on up), but each has tremendous value. Giving Machines allow individuals to purchase groceries and meals, clean and sustainable water, safe shelter, clothing and shoes, blankets and beds, educational assistance, healthcare and counseling services, immunizations, hygiene kits, job training, and the ever-popular livestock (chickens, goats, pigs, and beehives).
Since the first Giving Machine appeared in 2017, hundreds of thousands of people have visited, contributing $15 million (USD) to assist the homeless and hungry, the uneducated and unfortunate, the naked and neglected — regardless of race, nationality, or religious affiliation.
How They Support Volunteers of America
This year, Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas has been designated as one of several nonprofits to receive donations made through the Giving Machines! This means that when you visit a machine, you can select from a wide variety of items including the following that will bring hope and joy to vulnerable men, women and children Volunteers of America supports.
Can’t make it out to the Giving Machines? You can still make an impact by giving online using the button below!
In the News
New ‘giving machine’ in Arlington mall invites shoppers to purchase items that give back
WJLA ABC7 News DC
Vending for the holidays: A unique way to give this season
WTOP News
New vending machine designed for donations
WJLA ABC7 News DC
Ballston Quarter to host charitable vending machines this holiday season
ARL Now
Giving Machines open in Arlington, VA
NBC 4 Washington
Giving Machines debut in Virginia for Giving Tuesday
FOX 5
Photo Gallery
Where To Find Them
Ballston Quarter Shopping Mall
4238 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22203
Nov 24, 2023 – Jan 1, 2023
To learn more about the Light the World Giving Machines or to find a location near you please visit LightTheWorld.org.