Holiday shoppers at Short Pump Town Center were serenaded last Friday with a rendition of “Joy to the World” by a quartet from the Richmond Concert Chorale followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the return of a vending machine that works in reverse.

The Light the World Giving Machine allows donors to sponsor specific gifts or services for those in need, offering options at a range of price points. Among the 30 available choices are homeless kits, school supplies and respite care. 

While the machines are maintained and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the featured options represent five local charities and two international causes not directly affiliated with the Church, according to Alan Earnshaw, the Church’s director of communications. 

“Each charity has selected certain items at different price points,” Earnshaw said. “So, for example, [through] Commonwealth Catholic Charities, you can purchase diapers for a family and they will then take the money that’s donated and use that to … provide those diapers to a family in need.” 

Susan and Myron Lee, a married couple from Chesterfield, volunteered at the machine on opening day. One of the highlights of their experience, Susan shared, was when someone purchased every single diaper card in the machine. 

“It’s so awesome that you have that option. Truly, you can donate as much or as little as you want, and it all makes a difference,” she said. 

People who donate usually choose something that is meaningful to them, according to Susan. For families with children, the option to purchase a goat for a family in need is one of the most popular choices. 

Volunteers handle questions from visitors about the initiative and restock the cards as needed, but they do not solicit donations, Myron Lee explained. 

“Nobody approaches you. It’s right there in the mall, and they can walk by and donate. It’s reaching a lot of people who would love to donate but have never had the opportunity,” he said. The Light the World Giving Machine is located near Crate and Barrel in Short Pump Town Center and will remain open until Jan. 1. 

 Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press