By Sydney Byerly
The Indiana Citizen
December 19, 2025
CARMEL, Ind. — They may look like ordinary vending machines from the outside, but the Light the World Giving Machines, now a growing holiday tradition, open a window into how Hoosiers help one another. Operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the machines let visitors “purchase” donations ranging from meals and school supplies to hygiene kits, winter clothing, and even livestock for families in need locally and around the world.
What began as a small experiment in 2017 has become a global initiative spanning 21 nations, with more than 490,000 donations made to date. And on a chilly December morning, Indiana leaders, nonprofits, and families gathered at Carmel’s Carmichael Hotel to usher in another season of giving — and to celebrate how simple it has become for Hoosiers to turn generosity into action.
State and local leaders, nonprofit partners and families gathered on a chilly early December morning inside the Carmichael Hotel for the ceremonial launch of Indiana’s Giving Machine season. For the kickoff program, close to a hundred attendees sat at booths and bartops inside Feinstein’s restaurant to listen to remarks from elected officials and charity partners.
Volunteers and organizers greeted guests wearing bright red-and-white candy-cane inspired Light the World scarves — the signature attire distributed to donors, volunteers and speakers as a symbol of the campaign. A facade of the Giving Machines, showing sample donation items, representatives from each participating nonprofit organization and elected officials sat on the stage for introductory remarks.
Gov. Mike Braun, State Treasurer Daniel Elliott and Secretary of State Diego Morales all attended the launch, signaling the growing visibility of the Giving Machine program, which local leaders say has quickly become a fixture of Indiana’s holiday season.
“The Giving Machine fits perfectly into what makes Carmel special during the holidays,” Light the World Indy Co-Chair Bob Petersen told the audience. “Visitors come for the holiday market, the lights, the atmosphere — and now they can also experience the joy of giving to someone in need with the press of a button.”
Gov. Braun, who arrived midway through the program, said the machines reflect the best of Indiana’s communities.
“When I see things that work this well — and make giving this easy — I want to amplify it,” Braun said. “My hometown of Jasper is rooted in faith, family and community. Hoosiers know how to give.”
After the indoor portion concluded, attendees bundled up and stepped outside with organizers to see the Giving Machine unveiled with a Nutcracker ballet inspired performance. Volunteers joked with the crowd about the cold, encouraging them to “think Hawaii” and enjoy some hot cocoa as they watched. After the conclusion of the performance, volunteers pushed open the decorated doors to unveil the vending-style units that stood ready for the first purchases of the year.
David Kinard, Area Authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said organizers hoped the machines would become an annual Hoosier tradition.
“You get to the third year, and we’re going to call that a tradition,” he said.
This year the program expands to three Indiana locations: Clay Terrace in Carmel, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and — for the first time — a machine in Bloomington. Kinard thanked city leaders and volunteers, as well as charity partners who “a few years ago were a bit wary” but now see the impact firsthand.
“We’ve proven this is exactly what it says,” he said. “One hundred percent of the donations will go to these charities.”
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said the city was “filled with gratitude” to expand from one Giving Machine to two at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt this year, calling it a natural extension of Carmel’s partnership with the Church.
Adding a second machine, she said, helps families “teach their kids how to give” and “create legacies around helping others.”
Since 2023, Indiana Giving Machines have generated more than 13,000 donated items and services worth over $400,000, Finkam said.
State Treasurer Daniel Elliott echoed the theme of Hoosier generosity, saying the machines capture “what it means to be a good neighbor” in Indiana.
“In a world that often emphasizes division,” Elliott said, “today we’re showing here in Indiana that we do things different. Hoosiers know how to serve, how to look out for each other and how to bring hope.”
Carmel Youth Assistance Program
Advancement Coordinator Amanda Klotsch said people are often surprised that need exists in Carmel.
“People are shocked that Carmel has students who need this help — but we get about 107 referrals a year,” she said. “We’ve helped over 2,000 students with everything from mentoring and tutoring to keeping the lights on.”
HATCH for Hunger
COO Andrew Howerton said access to protein remains one of the greatest unmet needs for food-insecure families. One parent shared that because of HATCH’s weekend protein packs, “for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t afraid of Saturday.”
“These machines are more than a fun way to donate,” Howerton said. “They’re acts of compassion sent directly into kitchens and dinner tables.”
Brightlane Learning
CEO Kelly Coker told the story of Amy, a third-grader entering school for the first time unable to read her own name. Through daily one-on-one literacy sessions, Amy gained skills and confidence.
“We support over 800 students experiencing homelessness or housing instability each year,” Coker said. “These resources help break the cycle of homelessness and end generational poverty.”
Dove Recovery House for Women
CEO Wendy Noe highlighted Christie, a woman who turned her life around after completing Dove’s program — earning a GED, multiple degrees, and reunification with her son.
“Your support ensures women like Christie have a home, food, and the necessities they need to become sober and self-sufficient,” Noe said.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Corporate advancement officer Kyle Beaty shared that Maya, a 5-year-old whose wish to “meet and ride a unicorn,” became the foundation’s 20,000th granted wish.
“It’s a bridge from treatment rooms to joy,” he said. “We have more than 400 Hoosier kids waiting for wishes.”
A family tradition takes root
The Harrington family of Tippecanoe County also shared how the Giving Machine has become an annual tradition for their six children, who hosted bake sales to raise their own donation money.
“All the kids have this innate desire to give,” Sarah Harrington, the Tippecanoe County resident and mother of six, said. “They wanted to do it themselves.”
Indiana’s 2026 Giving Machines support eight local charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation OH/KY/IN; HATCH for Hunger; Brightlane Learning; Dove Recovery House for Women; Carmel Youth Assistance Program; Hoosier Hills Food Bank; Lifting Hands International; and Right to Play.
Carmel now hosts two Giving Machines: one near the Carmel Christkindlmarkt on the Monon Greenway between the Palladium and Hotel Carmichael, open now through Dec. 24; and one at Clay Terrace, available Dec. 12 through Jan. 4, located near Pies & Pints and Harmony Poke & Bubble Tea at 14490 Clay Terrace Blvd. The Bloomington location, at Fountain Square Mall (101 W. Kirkwood Ave.), launched Nov. 22 remained open until Dec. 9.
Sydney Byerly is a political reporter who grew up in New Albany, Indiana. Before joining The Citizen, Sydney reported news for TheStatehouseFile.com and most recently managed and edited The Corydon Democrat & Clarion News in southern Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism at Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism (‘Sco Griz!).
The Indiana Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed and engaged Hoosier citizens. We are operated by the Indiana Citizen Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. For questions about the story, contact Marilyn Odendahl at marilyn.odendahl@indianacitizen.org.
