Giving Machines Spread Christmas Cheer at North Pole 

Of the 100-plus locations worldwide that have a Light the World Giving Machine this year, none is more interesting than Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska.

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“It’s always better to give than to receive. That really is true,” an emotional Santa Claus said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Santa Claus House on Friday, November 22, 2024. “I never want you to listen to the naysayers. Give what you can when you can and how you can. It’s true that when you give, you actually get healthier for it. It’s good for your mind. It’s good for your spirit. It’s just good for all of us.”

Since 2017, these charitable vending machines sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have served as a meaningful way to share Jesus Christ's love with people around the world. This is the first year the machines have made it to Alaska.

“Thank you for bringing these [machines] here to our community,” said North Pole Mayor Larry Terch. “It is exceptional. And thanks to all of you, those who will give this year to our wonderful charities in our local community. It means so much to all of us.”

“[The Giving Machines] are actually part of the Alaska mobile route,” explained Angela Jones, co-lead for the Light the World Giving Machine of Fairbanks and North Pole. After three weeks at Santa Claus House, the vending-style machines will be transported to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, for another three-week stint.

More than 500 local and international nonprofit organizations are participating in this year’s Giving Machine initiative. Items available include food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, job and career training, and livestock.

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) of Alaska is one of the local charities people can donate to at Santa Claus House.

“We know that our military members and their families have it a little bit harder than those of us who choose to make Alaska our home,” said Sarah Riffer, ASYMCA executive director. “They’re often away from friends. They’re often away from family. They don’t always have that support network built in. And it’s the honor of a lifetime to be able to serve them and help solve their problems while they’re stationed here.”

Another charity is the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska (BCDC). They offer free mammograms for those who can’t afford one. And their mobile mammogram truck reaches women in rural villages.

“I’m a fifth-generation Alaskan, and my kids get to help at the nonprofit I work at. They [also] get to help at the food bank and at other nonprofits,” said Jacyn DeBaun, executive director of BCDC. “It is so important to bring up our kids knowing how important community is, knowing how important giving back is. It’s really wonderful that we get to do it at the perfect time of year to be giving to others.”

Patrons can also give to the Fairbanks Senior Center, which is committed to providing seniors support to live with dignity and independence.

“With big golden hearts, we have gathered together to support many wonderful programs in our community,” said Ashley Edgington, the center’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s important to recognize that the common thread among all of us here is that we are or will be seniors someday. … Thank you for blessing our community with this Giving Machine.”

Elder Mark A. Bragg, the Church’s North America West Area President, was at the ribbon cutting. He said the work these and many other charities are doing in Alaska is the work of Jesus Christ.

“They just go out and do good,” Elder Bragg said. “Jesus Christ is the light of the world. We’re here because of Him. We’re here because we want to bless others. It’s what He would do. It’s what He did. It’s what He does. And we get to be a small part of that. I humbly pray that the Lord will bless you to know how much good you are doing. May He bless you to know that you’re doing great things, that you’re doing His work by blessing others.”