LAS VEGAS – While the pandemic may have prevented the Giving Machines from being onsite at Downtown Summerlin® over the holiday season in 2020, the giving will still continue thanks to a $75,000 donation from Latter-day Saint Charities, the nonprofit sponsor of Giving Machines in 10 global locations which have raised over $9 million since its inception in 2017.
Five local charities – Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada, Eyecare for Kids, Future Smiles, Opportunity Village and Three Square Food Bank – will each receive a $15,000 donation from Latter-day Saint Charities.
“As kids are distance learning at home, they are consuming more sugary snacks and drinks and have less access to preventative dental care. We’re finding an increase in critical need dental services such as cavities, root canals and crowns, said Terri Chandler, founder of local nonprofit Future Smiles, one of the 2019 Giving Machine recipients. “We are so grateful to #LightTheWorld for recognizing that families are really struggling right now and still need services.”
During the 2019 Christmas season, the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines at Downtown Summerlin® offered shoppers and guests the opportunity to provide an instant act of service by donating at special vending machines. With a simple card swipe, items for people in need were available for purchase. Items ranged in price from $2 to $320 and included staple items such as food, school supplies, eyeglasses, dental hygiene items, art supplies, and more. Locally, the Giving Machines raised $472,000 for local charities and an additional $350,000 for global charities.
“With most Nevada children doing distance learning, Communities In Schools has been working hard to help provide essential resources to ensure the students we serve can participate and succeed in a virtual classroom from home. CIS quickly innovated our proven model to send our school-based professionals out into the community to deliver meals, hygiene supplies, and Chromebooks while helping students at home access remote learning. Our CIS coordinators are serving as coaches, tutors, and friends to students who are the most impacted by this global crisis. This unexpected donation from #LightTheWorld will help us to meet the needs of the high poverty students we serve.” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and State Director, Communities In Schools of Nevada.
“Latter-day Saint Charities felt it important to continue to support Las Vegas in spite of the 2020 Giving Machines being put on pause due to health concerns related to COVID-19, according to Joyce Haldeman, local Giving Machines organizer. We look forward to The Giving Machines returning to Downtown Summerlin® in November 2021 and to having the #LightTheWorld initiative once again bring this charitable giving opportunity to Las Vegas residents.”
WHAT: Checks will be distributed to Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada, Eyecare for Kids, Future Smiles, Opportunity Village and Three Square. Checks will be presented by local representatives of The Giving Machines/Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Photo Credit: The Giving Machines, sponsored by Latter-day Saint Charities
Press Contacts:
The Giving Machine/The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints
Debbi Greer
P: 702-335-7909