Gail Miller, co-founder of the Larry H. Miller Co., addressed the crowd as the Giving Machines were welcomed into Daybreak in South Jordan on Dec.4.
Members of the Daybreak Children’s Choir performed for attendees at the ceremony. (Tom Haraldsen/Salt Lake Business Journal)
Tom Haraldsen
Salt Lake Business Journal
Since it began in 2017, the “Light the World” Giving Machines program from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expanded worldwide, with the machines now located in 21 countries over six continents. In the USA, that includes 125 cities.
Now, South Jordan’s Downtown Daybreak has machines as well, becoming the 126th domestic site for them.
On Dec. 4, three of the machines were officially opened in Downtown Daybreak adjacent to the Ballpark at America First Square. The program included performances from the Timpanogos Ringers bell chorus and the Daybreak Children’s Choir.
The Giving Machines function like a typical vending machine, where donors can select essential items that are distributed to people in need.
“They can range from donations such as food, clothing, clean water, health care, farming starting kits, seeds, chickens, pigs, education and job training,” said Kurt Soffe, the church’s community outreach director of the Jordan River Utah Region. “Volunteers manage all responsibilities for these machines. All donations go to participating nonprofit organizations. When a donor sees that their generosity brings help and hope to someone in need, a simple act of kindness will connect them forever. It improves lives physically and helps develop a spirit of self-worth.”
He said that over the past nine years, $50 million in value has been donated in essential items and services.
South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey welcomed the machines to her community.
“As we continue to grow, we find additional opportunities to light the world and make things brighter for others,” she said. “South Jordan was founded in 1859. Throughout our history, our people have been generous — they have shown charity and given to their neighbors. They’ve watched out for others and they’ve done what they can to make a difference and to brighten lives and ease the loads of others. We now have the opportunity to do even more, to give in a new way, to expand on our legacy of being a community that gives.”
She called the “Light the World” Giving Machines “a blessing to our community. We’re kind of a test market this year. Let’s do so well that these machines can stay here every year.”
The machines were bolstered with contributions from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. Gail Miller reflected on the need and value of all contributions from communities.
“Every act of generosity, no matter how small, sparks the fire within us,” she said. “When we gather that spark together, we can do great things and warm those around us — giving from the heart, and that’s why we’re here today. With just a few taps on these Giving Machines, we can be Santa’s helpers to all who will receive the gifts. This season is magical because our hearts are more open; we’re more receptive to the opportunities of giving. The tapping on these machines transforms lives. Let’s wear these machines out.”
The Giving Machines are operational 24 hours a day and will remain in place through Dec. 25.