Vending

Charitable vending machines return to Chicago area

Image courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

November 6, 2026

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Light the World Giving Machines will return to the Chicago area Nov. 14, allowing visitors to make donations by selecting items on vending machines and paying by card, according to a Chicago Star Media report. The rollout begins at 11 a.m. at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., where the machines will remain through Nov. 16.

Donors can fund food, hygiene products, clothing, school supplies and livestock for participating nonprofits. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors the program and pays operating expenses, allowing the full donation to reach the selected organization. Participants include Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, VOA Illinois, Loaves & Fishes and Unicef USA.

The machines will move into the holiday season at The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago beginning Nov. 17 and Fox Valley Mall in Aurora beginning Nov. 20. Both locations will operate through Jan. 3, 2027. Organizers said the worldwide initiative has collected about $70 million and will reach more than 120 cities across six continents this year.