On the last Monday in November 2024, the University Place Mall in Orem welcomed the return of the Light The World Giving Machines, offering an innovative way for the community to give back during the holiday season. Among the impactful charities represented this year is Eye Care 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vision care for underserved children and families.
The event, hosted by actor and TV personality Kirby Heyborne, featured performances by the Orem High School Jazz Band, a magic act by Orem Mayor David Young, and music by Elder Jorge Alvarado of the Seventy. Attendees gathered in the spirit of giving to celebrate the launch of the Giving Machines, which provide a direct and meaningful way to support local and global causes.
Eye Care 4 Kids: A Visionary Mission
Since its founding in 2001, Eye Care 4 Kids has served more than 500,000 children and families by offering free or low-cost vision care. Recognizing that clear vision is essential for education, development, and overall quality of life, the organization provides eye exams, glasses, and other vision-related services to those who might not otherwise have access to care.
“For many children, the inability to see clearly can hold them back academically and socially,” said Joseph Carbone, founder and CEO of Eye Care 4 Kids. “We strive to give every child the gift of sight because it opens the door to a brighter future.”
The inclusion of Eye Care 4 Kids in this year’s Giving Machines underscores the importance of vision care in creating opportunities and fostering success. Donations made through the machines can directly fund essential services, ensuring that children have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Giving Machines: How They Work
The Giving Machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, function like traditional vending machines but with a charitable twist. Instead of snacks or drinks, donors can select specific items—such as eyeglasses for a child or funding for an eye exam—that will be provided to those in need. Each donation is represented by a card that drops from the machine, symbolizing the tangible impact of the giver’s generosity.
The Church of Jesus Christ covers all operational costs of the program, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to the selected charities.
“There’s always a concern when giving money—where will it go? Will it make a difference?” explained Mark Seastrand, manager of the Orem Giving Machine. “The Giving Machines allow people to choose exactly what they want to give, and they can see how it will directly benefit someone in need.”
Local and Global Impact
This year, the Giving Machines at the University Place Mall are supporting eight charities, including several based in Utah Valley. Alongside Eye Care 4 Kids, local organizations such as Community Action Services and Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Tabitha’s Way Food Pantries are helping address pressing needs within the community.
For Eye Care 4 Kids, the donations collected will help extend its reach to even more families who might not otherwise receive the vision care they desperately need. Clear sight can make a world of difference for a child struggling in school or an adult trying to improve their quality of life.
“Eye Care 4 Kids is about much more than glasses,” Carbone emphasized. “It’s about leveling the playing field for kids and giving them the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Every donation is a step toward that goal.”
A Growing Tradition of Giving
Since their inception in 2017, the Giving Machines have expanded dramatically. What started with just a few locations has grown to 107 cities in 13 countries, including Nairobi, Kenya, and Cebu City, Philippines. This year, Utah alone boasts five Giving Machines in Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake City, St. George, and Orem.
The Orem Giving Machine is a favorite among Utah County residents, with an estimated 60%-70% of donated items staying in the local community. For organizations like Eye Care 4 Kids, this means the generosity of Utahns has a direct and lasting impact on their neighbors.
How to Give
The Giving Machines will remain at the University Place Mall through January 3, 2025, giving residents ample time to contribute. Each item purchased represents a specific act of kindness, such as providing a child with glasses or funding a life-changing eye exam.
“There’s no hard sell,” Seastrand said. “We simply aim to give people an opportunity to give back in ways that are meaningful to them and to feel the love of Christ through their generosity.”
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Seeing the Difference
As the holiday season unfolds, Eye Care 4 Kids reminds us that something as simple as a pair of glasses can transform a life. Through the Giving Machines, the community has a chance to play a vital role in that transformation.
For children who see the blackboard clearly for the first time or adults who can finally read without strain, the impact of a donation goes far beyond the holiday season. It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime—a gift of clarity, confidence, and hope.
For more information about the Giving Machines and the charities they support, visit the University Place Mall before January 3. Every card purchased is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can bring light to the world.
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