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As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, Brigham Young University (BYU) has introduced Light the World Giving Machine kiosks to its campus for the first time this Christmas season.
At a “Nights of Light” event on December 1, 2025, BYU President C. Shane Reese said, “Tonight, we’re celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We felt like on this campus, where we’re trying to become a Christ-centered, prophetically directed university of prophecy, what better way to celebrate Christmas than to have our sesquicentennial be a night of celebration of that event. It’s an opportunity for us as an entire campus to commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
The event drew more than 10,000 students and included a Christmas tree lighting. The Giving Machine initiative is being held in 126 cities across 21 countries and six continents this year. For the first time, machines are available in South America and new international locations such as Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Spain and Thailand.
BYU Student Body President Caleb Rogers commented on the presence of the kiosks: “It’s so neat to be able to have [Giving Machine kiosks] on campus. Even though we’re students and we might not have a lot that we seem like we can give, there’s still all sorts of ways that we can give, even in small ways. It’s meaningful for us to have that opportunity to choose to give.”
Each kiosk offers items and services intended for people in need. These include food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare supplies or services, education support materials or tuition aid; hygiene kits; bedding; job and career training resources; and livestock such as chickens or goats.
Aaron Essilfie—a student from Ghana—said: “For us, [Christmas] is a time of renewal, a time of giving, a time of peace.” His wife Nina added: “[These Christmas celebrations] will help us feel the spirit of Christmas.”
Donny Beyer noted how important it is for students with limited resources to participate: “When you have nothing to give, it is when you have the most to give.” He continued: “It’s really awesome being here and seeing all these students who are in the same boat trying to get by on little money, and we’re still willing to go and give and try to serve.”
Student Sydney Landini said that participating in Giving Machines “helps to point us away from ourselves and towards others,” adding this aligns with what Jesus Christ would do.
In addition to hosting Giving Machines on campus during its sesquicentennial year-long celebration—an effort echoed globally—BYU has also encouraged all living alumni (numbering about 466,000) to perform 150 hours of service throughout the year.
