Colts offensive tackle Blake Freeland makes a donation at the Giving Machine located near Hotel Carmichael. (Photo provided)
The Light the World Giving Machine initiative marked its third year in Indiana with a community kickoff celebration on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkham joined representatives from five local charities to celebrate the campaign’s strong start and share how Hoosiers can make a difference this holiday season.
The event followed a successful opening weekend at a new location near Christkindlmarkt. Positioned between Hotel Carmichael and the Payne & Mencias Palladium along the Monon Greenway, the Giving Machine has drawn steady crowds of visitors since Nov. 19, many discovering the charitable vending concept for the first time.
“The Giving Machine fits perfectly into what makes Carmel special during the holidays,” Light the World Indy Co-Chair Bob Petersen said. “Visitors come for the holiday market, the lights, the atmosphere – and now they can also experience the joy of giving to someone in need with the press of a button.”
Building on two years of Hoosier generosity
Since launching in Indiana in 2023, the Light the World Giving Machine has demonstrated remarkable community support. Nearly 23,000 Hoosier adults, teens, and children have donated 13,000 items and services worth more than $400,000 at Indiana Giving Machine locations.
The 2025 campaign expands to three Indiana venues: the Carmel City Center location (through Dec. 24), Clay Terrace in Carmel (Dec. 12 through Jan. 4), and a new site in Bloomington’s Fountain Square (through Dec. 10).
The Light the World Giving Machine initiative, launched globally in 2017 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now operates in 126 cities across 21 countries, generating over 490,000 donations. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to selected charities, as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational expenses.
To learn more about how your donation makes a difference, visit GivingMachine.org.
Participating 2025 Charities
- Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana
- HATCH for Hunger
- Brightlane Learning
- Dove Recovery House for Women
- Carmel Youth Assistance Program
- Hoosier Hills Food Bank
- Lifting Hands International
- Right to Play
Photos provided
