Giving Machines Return to Sparks Scheels

Customized red vending machines will accept donations of $10 to $100 at Scheels at The Legends from Nov. 14 through Dec. 7.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Three glossy red cylindrical donation machines stand in a bright retail interior against a plain gray wall beside a potted plant. — Giving Machines return to Scheels at The Legends in Sparks from Nov. 14 through Dec. 7, letting donors give $10 to $100 to participating nonprofits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you donate to charity through a vending machine this holiday season?

Light the World Giving Machines will be set up inside Scheels at The Legends in Sparks from Nov. 14 through Dec. 7, marking the machines' third year in Northern Nevada. Donations range from $10 to $100 and fund food, shelter, hygiene supplies, and a milk goat, with proceeds going to participating nonprofits.

Why it matters

The machines give residents a direct way to fund local and international charities during the holiday giving season. Organizers say a sponsor covers all operating costs so that 100% of donations reach the participating charities.

Donations per item run from $10 to $100, and organizers state 100% of contributions go directly to participating charities, with the sponsor covering all operating costs. The total amount expected to be raised during the Sparks run was not reported.

The players

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The religious denomination sponsors the Light the World Giving Machines and covers all their operating costs.

The details

Donors select an item on the machine's screen and pay by card or mobile app. Individuals, families, businesses, clubs, and teams can contribute, or pool money through the "777 Challenge," which buys one of every item in a machine in a single transaction.

Nov. 14 through Dec. 7: Giving Machines available inside Scheels during regular business hours.
10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14: Community kickoff with music, remarks, and a ribbon-cutting at Scheels, 1200 Scheels Drive.

Roadmap

The Light the World Giving Machines program returns to Northern Nevada for a third consecutive year, extending a multi-year holiday giving format built around donor-selected items. The sponsored, fee-free model keeps charitable contributions aimed at participating organizations rather than program costs.

Shoppers at Scheels at The Legends can make a donation of $10 to $100 at the machines between Nov. 14 and Dec. 7. Groups such as families, businesses, and teams can pool contributions through the 777 Challenge.

The takeaway

Donating through a sponsored machine means the full amount is directed to charities rather than covering program overhead. Residents planning holiday giving can use the 777 Challenge to pool contributions with friends, coworkers, or a team.