Light the World Texas Giving Machine Provides Easy Way to Give, Benefits the Hugs Cafe
Stop by historic downtown McKinney for a hug and the joy of giving this holiday season!
A welcome celebration for the Light the World Texas Giving Machine to historic downtown McKinney will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 10 am. This special red machine will help visitors and shoppers easily give to those in need, including nearby Hugs Café.
What’s a Giving Machine and how will it benefit Hugs Cafe?
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machine provides an instant act of service for people interested in helping charities like Hugs Café during the holiday season. With a swipe of a card, items can be purchased ranging in price from $5 to $150 to benefit the charity. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to the participating charities.
Located just steps from the Giving Machine, Hugs Café directly employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a café setting. Jobs include server, cashier, sandwich line attendant, host and more. It provides quality jobs that are designed for the individual so the employees will know personal and professional success.
In addition to Hugs Café, the machine will benefit seven other charities locally in the metroplex, including: GRACE Grapevine, NTX SNAP, Arlington Charities, It’s Going To Be OK, Samaritan Inn, I Can Still Shine, and American Red Cross North Texas. And, it will benefit two global charities, including African Girls Hope Foundation and Church World Service
"Imagine going to a vending machine and being able to provide food, coats, educational training or relief for those in need in the DFW area," said North Texas Area Seventy Elder Cannon with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The Savior asked us to lift other's burdens, what better way to celebrate His birth than donating to our neighbors in need."
Before arriving in McKinney, the machine also made stops in Houston, San Antonio, Sundance Square in Fort Worth, and in Grapevine. The machine will be available in historic downtown McKinney through Jan. 1, 2024.
Since the first Light the World Giving Machine launched in 2017, hundreds of thousands of people have generously contributed $22 million to assist those in need. Donations can also be made at Light The Worldfor those not able to visit the machines in person.
Hope to see you in McKinney for a hug and to share in the spirit of giving!