Attendees at the ribbon-cutting browse the donation cards, each representing a gift they can give through the Giving Machines. 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - With holiday shoppers looking on, community leaders and nonprofit representatives gathered Nov. 21 at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville to cut the ribbon on the annual Light the World Giving Machines, vending-style kiosks that allow visitors to purchase symbolic gifts for people in need.

Installed Nov. 17 and available through Dec. 8, the machines offer items such as hygiene kits, meals, school supplies and even baby goats, with 100% of every purchase going to designated charities. Each nonprofit participates for one year only, rotating annually.

“It’s my pleasure to host this again,” said Jeff Richardson, senior general manager of the Galleria. “Our community keeps growing, our center keeps growing and we are significantly up in traffic this year, and I think the Giving Machine has something to do with that.”

Shoppers choose gifts by tapping a touchscreen and paying by card or mobile wallet. A card representing the selected item drops into the display box, symbolizing the purchase.

Santa J. Claus made a festive entrance, handing out baby-goat plush toys to children who gathered near the machines.

Santa J. Claus made a festive entrance, handing out baby-goat plush toys to children who gathered near the machines. 

“Isn’t it just wonderful when we can listen to our heart and that little voice that says we should think of others in need?” Claus said. “The secret to being on the nice list is kindness. Choosing kindness toward others and toward ourselves.”

Five local nonprofits are featured in this year’s Roseville machines, along with two global organizations.

Jake’s Journey Home focuses on veterans and community members facing homelessness. Founder Jeanne Shuman said the organization was established in 2019 after the death of her son, Jake, a Seabee veteran.

“We’re finding a way to honor and remember his legacy,” Shuman said. “This initiative collaborates with a lot of nonprofits, which is amazing, but it also allows us to keep doing our mission. We are small, we are mighty and we are all volunteers.”

Stand Up Placer, which supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, is offering donors the chance to fund therapy sessions, children’s crisis support and emergency food.

“Our partnership with the church and their community is a blessing,” said executive director Gary McDonnell.

Sunrise Christian Food Ministry, serving families throughout Sacramento County, gives shoppers the option to purchase meals, hygiene kits and student food packs.

“We are so blessed to be a part of this amazing experience,” said President April Jacek.

Volunteer Allia Adams made the season’s first purchase, a pantry pack, hygiene kit and pajamas.

“It’s exciting,” Adams said. “It doesn’t take a lot of effort to shine a light on what people can do.”

The Salvation Army’s offerings include summer camp, Christmas dinner and job training.

Major Osei Stewart said the partnership is “an opportunity to bring light into the darkness” and “serve those who need it the most.”

Sacramento Children’s Home, serving children and families for nearly 160 years, offers donors the chance to purchase baby food, pajamas or parenting classes. CEO David Becker said their mission aligns with the event’s spirit.

“A community of people coming together and saying, ‘we are going to make a difference,’” Becker said. “We are going to be a light in the world.”

Global nonprofits United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mentors International provide international gift options such as school kits, malnutrition treatment and supplies for small family businesses.

“These gifts remind us that generosity here can ripple outwards across the globe,” said “Thank you for helping lift lives not only in our local communities and neighborhoods but also in communities far beyond our own.”

Retired Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness, who served as emcee, highlighted the program’s impact and efficiency.

“Everything that is given to the Giving Machine goes to the intended recipient,” McGinness said Nancy Pinney, a Giving Machine committee member. “Some of the things that are requested, most of us view as the most basic essentials.”

Local officials echoed the spirit of unity.

“We are very proud of our mall,” said Roseville Vice Mayor Karen Alvord. “It gives us an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of the season, to give hope, care and comfort.”

Karen Wilkes, a Giving Machine committee member, noted that the program has grown from 26 locations to 126 worldwide in four years.

“It’s such a blessing to us and to the people who will receive donations,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes also noted one “secret feature” of the giving machines.

“If you punch in 777, it will purchase every single gift. Thirty cards will drop, and it comes to about $1,800. So come out, bring your friends, coworkers and families,” Wilkes said.

The Light the World initiative, sponsored globally by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encourages giving during the holiday season. This is the fourth year the Roseville Galleria has hosted the machines.

“They connect our community,” McGinness said, “not only to our neighbors here in the Sacramento area but also to families around the world.”

Giving Machine committee members smile in front of one of the kiosks during the ribbon-cutting event on Nov. 21 at the Roseville Galleria.