A Light the World Giving Machine has arrived at the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside, offering the closest opportunity yet for High Desert residents who want to give in a tangible, meaningful way this holiday season. Until now, the nearest machine was in Newport Beach, and in prior years, it was farther away in Las Vegas, making participation difficult for local families. With Riverside hosting a machine for the first time, Tri-Community residents no longer need to travel out of the Inland Empire to take part.
The machines function like traditional vending machines, but instead of snacks, donors purchase items such as warm clothing, hygiene kits, school supplies, meals for seniors, groceries, and even livestock for families in need around the world. Each item selected represents a real donation that goes directly to a charitable organization. The Riverside machine offers about twenty-five to thirty options, most benefiting Inland Empire and Southern California nonprofits, with several global aid selections included.
Local volunteer Karie LaFever, who serves in a communication role within the High Desert Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been helping staff the Riverside location. She said volunteers are on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the process. “We finally have a location within reach,” LaFever said. “It makes it easier for families here to be part of something that is fun, fast, and directly helps others.”
Jeff and Mindy Roundtree of Phelan have visited Giving Machines for several years, previously traveling to Las Vegas and Newport Beach to participate. This year, they appreciated having a machine close enough to visit with their children without the long drive.
Jeff said the donation process is especially meaningful for kids because it is hands-on and immediate.
“They get to look at everything, choose what matters to them, and punch in the number themselves,” he said. “When that card drops, it becomes real—more personal than just giving money online.”
“We enjoy it because we feel good helping other people out, and our children get to see and do something that helps someone they’ll never meet.”
Jeff also noted that donation levels range from just a few dollars to much larger contributions, making the experience accessible for families in any circumstance. Even five dollars from a child’s “lawn mowing” or allowance money can purchase something meaningful.
In addition to donating, the Roundtrees have volunteered at the Riverside location, helping visitors understand how the machine works and who benefits from each purchase. Jeff said some donors like taking a photo against a holiday-themed backdrop with the oversized display cards as a way to remember the experience and encourage others to participate, while many choose to give quietly.
The Giving Machines are part of the Light the World global service initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church covers all operating costs, so every dollar donated goes directly to the selected charity. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has raised nearly $50 million in donations worldwide. This year, machines are operating in 126 cities across 21 countries, with Riverside among 41 first-time host locations.
The Riverside Giving Machine will remain open through December 31, 2025, inside the Galleria at Tyler Mall, located at 1299 Galleria at Tyler in Riverside. Visit www.instagram.com/givingmachinesocal and www.facebook.com/givingmachinesocal for a list of special events happening at the Riverside location. For more information, event times, and other details, visit givingmachinesocal.org.
On December 2, 2025, the Giving Machine was officially launched at the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Socal’s very own NBC News Anchor Chuck Henry (retired).
