Reno residents will have a unique way to help those in need this holiday season with the arrival of Light the World Giving Machines at RC Willey.
From December 10 through January 1, 2026, people can donate essentials such as warm clothing for children, groceries, and job training programs directly from the machines.
“The Giving Machine is a fun, easy, and memorable way to share an instant act of kindness with those in need. We have partnered with some of Northern Nevada’s best charities,” said Rick Lund, Reno Giving Machine lead.
The Giving Machines are part of the annual Light the World initiative, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church covers all operational expenses, ensuring that participating nonprofit organizations receive 100 percent of every donation.
Local nonprofits featured in the Reno Giving Machine include Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, the Domestic Violence Resource Center, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, the Nevada Humane Society, the Northern Nevada International Center, and the American Red Cross.
“Anyone can participate, and people will see donating is as easy as getting a snack from a vending machine,” Lund added.
Donations through the Giving Machine can provide bus passes, literacy classes, utility assistance, groceries, and child care for domestic violence survivors, food for children and seniors, pet food, and winter clothing.
Since their debut in 2017, Giving Machines have helped raise more than $44 million, allowing nonprofits to deliver hundreds of thousands of essential items worldwide.
The Reno Giving Machine will be available 24 hours a day at RC Willey, located at 1201 Steamboat Parkway, in Reno, through January 1, 2026.
