You've probably seen the hashtag popping up everywhere during December. Maybe a friend shared a photo of themselves at a strange-looking vending machine, or you noticed posts about random acts of kindness flooding your social media feed. The #LightTheWorld movement has quietly become one of the most talked-about Christmas initiatives globally, and there's a simple reason why it's catching fire.
Started by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, #LightTheWorld transforms the traditional Christmas experience into something bigger than gift-giving. Instead of focusing solely on receiving, it challenges people to celebrate by serving others. The concept is straightforward: spend December doing what Jesus did: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick, and spreading kindness wherever possible.
But what's turned this from a church initiative into a worldwide conversation starter? The answer lies in both its rapid growth and its innovative approach to charitable giving.
The Giving Machine Revolution
The most visible symbol of the #LightTheWorld movement is the Light the World Giving Machine. These aren't your typical vending machines filled with snacks and sodas. Instead, they're stocked with opportunities to help others. You can "purchase" meals for hungry families, clean water for communities in need, medical supplies, school supplies, or even livestock for families working their way out of poverty.
The growth has been remarkable. In 2017, there was exactly one Giving Machine. By 2024, that number exploded to 106 locations spread across 13 countries and 33 U.S. states. The expansion isn't slowing down either: 2024 marked the first Giving Machine in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya) and the first in mainland Asia (Hong Kong, China).
Here's the part that gets people's attention: since 2017, these machines have collected more than $32 million worth of charitable items from nearly two million donors. Every penny goes directly to nonprofit organizations. No administrative fees, no overhead costs: just pure impact.
Why It's Going Viral
The genius of #LightTheWorld lies in how it meets people where they are. Not everyone can volunteer at a soup kitchen or has time for extensive community service. But almost anyone can spare five minutes to use a Giving Machine or perform a simple daily act of kindness.
The movement also taps into something people crave during the holidays: meaning. While traditional Christmas shopping often feels transactional, #LightTheWorld offers purpose. When you buy a meal for someone through a Giving Machine, you're not just spending money: you're actively participating in someone else's relief and hope.
Social media amplifies this feeling. The hashtag #LightTheWorld creates a visible community of people sharing their acts of service. It's not about showing off; it's about inspiring others and creating a ripple effect of kindness.
The timing couldn't be better either. In an era where people often feel disconnected despite being more "connected" than ever through technology, #LightTheWorld offers genuine human connection through service.
Multiple Ways to Join the Movement
You don't need to live near a Giving Machine to participate. The #LightTheWorld campaign offers several entry points, making it accessible regardless of your location, schedule, or budget.
Daily Service Calendar: Throughout December, the campaign provides specific daily suggestions for acts of service. These range from simple gestures like calling a lonely neighbor to more involved activities like organizing a food drive. You can download the calendar or simply follow along on social media.
Giving Machines: If you're in one of the 106 locations worldwide, visiting a Giving Machine offers an immediate way to make an impact. The machines accept donations that purchase everything from meals and clean water to medical supplies and educational materials. The experience is designed to be quick and meaningful: perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Social Media Participation: Share your acts of service using #LightTheWorld. This isn't about self-promotion; it's about creating a visible reminder that kindness is happening everywhere. Your post might inspire someone else to perform their own act of service.
Community Events: Many locations host Light the World events featuring music, speakers, and opportunities to support local charities. These events often bring together people from different faith backgrounds united by a common desire to serve.
Year-Round Service: While December is the focal point, the movement encourages ongoing service throughout the year. The idea is to develop serving others as a regular practice, not just a seasonal activity.
Making It Personal and Practical
The beauty of #LightTheWorld is its flexibility. Your participation can be as simple or as elaborate as your circumstances allow. Here are some practical ways to get started:
Start Small: If you're new to organized service, begin with the daily suggestions. Many take just a few minutes: writing a thank-you note, helping someone carry groceries, or simply listening to someone who needs to talk.
Use Your Skills: The movement encourages people to serve using their existing talents. If you're good with technology, help someone set up their smartphone. If you enjoy cooking, prepare extra food for neighbors. If you have professional skills, consider offering them to local nonprofits.
Involve Your Family: Turn #LightTheWorld into a family tradition. Let kids help choose which items to "buy" from a Giving Machine, or work together on projects like making care packages for homeless shelters.
Make It Local: While Giving Machines support global causes, you can adapt the spirit of the movement to serve your immediate community. Partner with local food banks, homeless shelters, or community centers.
The Bigger Picture
What makes #LightTheWorld compelling isn't just the impressive statistics or the innovative technology. It's the fundamental shift in how we approach Christmas. Instead of asking "What do I want?" the movement asks "How can I serve?"
This reframing resonates across different faith traditions and cultural backgrounds. You don't need to share the same religious beliefs as the organizers to appreciate the value of service-focused holidays.
The campaign also addresses something many people struggle with during the holidays: finding authentic ways to celebrate that align with their values. Traditional gift-giving often feels hollow or commercialized. #LightTheWorld offers an alternative that feels both meaningful and manageable.
More than 500 nonprofit organizations now participate in the Giving Machine network, creating a vetted ecosystem of trusted charities. This removes one of the biggest barriers to charitable giving: uncertainty about where donations actually go.
Getting Started Today
You don't need to wait for December to begin. The #LightTheWorld mentality can start immediately. Look for opportunities to serve in your daily routine. Hold doors open. Pay for someone's coffee. Help a coworker with a challenging project. Check on elderly neighbors.
If you want to participate in the official December campaign, start by following #LightTheWorld on social media to get familiar with the daily suggestions and community activities. If there's a Giving Machine near you, plan a visit. If not, brainstorm ways to create your own service opportunities in your community.
The movement works because it's both deeply personal and broadly inclusive. It meets people where they are while challenging them to think beyond themselves. In a world that often feels divided, #LightTheWorld creates space for people to unite around the simple but powerful idea that everyone deserves kindness, especially during the holidays.
That's why everyone's talking about it: and why the conversation is just getting started.