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Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended the launch of the Light the World Giving Machine at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 22, 2025.
Tammy Reid and Tavia Hunt hosted the event. Reid is married to Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Hunt is married to Clark Hunt, chairman and CEO of the team.
This marks the fifth year that a Light the World Giving Machine has been placed in Kansas City. The machine will support nine charities this year—seven local organizations and two global groups.
Elder Stevenson spoke about the impact of these machines: “The Light the World initiative and its Giving Machines have shown us that year after year, simple acts of kindness spark a brightness that affects an entire community.” He noted that last year over 850,000 people visited Giving Machines worldwide, purchasing 450,000 items. He also highlighted a video showing how donations supported African Girls Hope Foundation to help young girls stay in school.
Elder Stevenson explained that Light the World is based on teachings from Jesus Christ: “His light was never meant to be admired from afar. It was meant to be shared,” he said. “When we give, whether it be through a machine, a donation, or even just a kind act, we become His light. When entire communities choose to serve together...that light becomes just impossible to ignore. Thank you to everyone who continues to bring Christ’s light to the world, one act of love at a time. May we keep that light burning always.”
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe shared personal remarks about his upbringing with five siblings raised by a single mother who received help from charities similar to those included in this year's Giving Machine effort. "We didn’t have a lot of material things," Kehoe said. "We had a lot of love, we had great faith, we had our parish, our church, and that’s how we got through life. That’s what the Giving Machine does. It spreads something … and that’s the word ‘hope.’ What that machine does for families like it would have done for our family means more than you can imagine."
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed appreciation for those contributing through Giving Machines: "The help that you’re giving with Giving Machines, the cheer that you spread, and more than anything, the heart that you are dedicating to our community and so many others is changing lives in Kansas City and around the world," he said.
Bishop James V. Johnston from Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph commented on ways people can help others: "There are so many little ways that we can put our love into action,” he said. “The Giving Machine is a beautiful way for us to do that...It’s a way for us together as a community to express our love and our support especially for those who might be struggling."
Elder Michael Ortiz encouraged attendees to use both physical and digital Giving Machines throughout Kansas City: “The impact we can have on our community is tremendous...I love seeing how grateful these organizations have been for all the generous contributions and love that you’ve given them.”
Local nonprofit beneficiaries include Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph; The Halo Foundation; Happy Bottoms; Harvesters The Community Food Network; Hillcrest Transitional Housing; Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund; Science City at Union Station. Global charities featured are Days for Girls and Care International.
Leisel Malan from Liberty Stake attended with her children: “It felt so good to be part of something that is snowballing here in Kansas City,” she said.
For further information about celebrating Jesus Christ's birth by helping those in need visit this related Newsroom article: Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ by Helping Those in Need.
