Santa, local VIPs gather to launch charitable vending machines at Roseville Galleria

When the Light the World Giving Machines first came to the Westfield Galleria in Roseville, Rocklin City Council member Jill Gayaldo said she experienced two firsts: the first time she bought a chicken, and the first time she bought a chicken from a vending machine. The chicken she purchased went directly to a family in an economically challenged country to help them start a business and become self-sufficient. This year, there are piglets in the Giving Machines so other families can start their own venture. Gayaldo purchased those, too. "The uniqueness of the Giving Machine is what makes it so special, and part of that is who is here today," the incoming Rocklin mayor said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for this year's Light the World Giving Machines. "We have people here from all over our community representing every religious organization, our charitable organizations and our volunteers. And I love all that uniqueness and togetherness, both of which make us stronger as a community." Gayaldo was joined by two City Council colleagues from neighboring Placer County cities: Holly Andreatta of Lincoln and Krista Bernasconi of Roseville. "The Giving Machine shows how much we can come together and make a difference in our own community and around the world," Bernasconi said. The three City Council members were just a few of the VIPs at the launch event, which also featured Jessup University President John Jackson, Sacramento Kings announcer Scott Moak and a special visit by the world's most famous Santa, mega-influencer Santa J Claus. "My mission is to light the world with giving, and that's the same mission these charitable vending machines have," Santa said. "You, too, can play Santa for someone who really needs it by purchasing gifts in the Light the World Giving Machines." This is the third year the Giving Machines are located at the Galleria, where they have been some of the most successful in the world. Area residents can make purchases now through New Year's Day. Light the World Giving Machines, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are part of a global effort to promote the true spirit of the holidays by giving gifts to those in need. This holiday season, the Light the World Giving Machines will be located in 106 cities around the world. In addition to Roseville, they are also located in Modesto's Vintage Faire Mall. They are the only ones this year in Northern California. "These vending machines offer a unique and memorable way to light the world with love by serving and caring for others both locally and globally," said Bruce Anderson, director of the local effort. "For many parents, it offers an effective way to teach children about giving to good causes and the joy there is by helping others." The global Giving Machines initiative launched in a few U.S. locations in 2017. Since then, more than $32 million worth of goods for the needy has been donated. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all program operational expenses. This ensures participating nonprofits receive 100 percent of the collected funds. Each machine in Roseville contains 30 opportunities to give – 25 from local charities and five from global nonprofits. Among the many items that can be purchased are a winter coat for a homeless person in the region, newborn essentials for a local young mother in need, and even a suicide prevention therapy session for a Placer County youth. The therapy session is one of the gifts offered by Lighthouse Counseling & Family Resource Center, which serves all of Placer County. Their other gifts in the Giving Machines are a child abuse prevention counseling session, a domestic violence prevention therapy session, one week of diapers for a single mother with a baby, and emergency food for a family living in poverty. "The Giving Machines give an opportunity to take the greed out of Christmas and bring Christ back into the holiday," says Gary McDonald, Lighthouse's executive director. "It really is about service and giving to people in need. It's really touched my heart. It really gives people an opportunity to think about other people besides their own families during this holiday season." The local charities with items in the Galleria Giving Machines are Al-Misbaah Charitable Aid, Catholic Charities – Diocese of Sacramento, Rancho Cordova Food Locker and First Step Communities. Helena Madera-Silmi with Al-Misbaah says many families want to give to local charities that make a difference in the lives of those who are under-privileged, but they don't know how to do it. The Giving Machines, she says, gives them this opportunity while at the same time teaching children the importance of charity. "A lot of youth love shopping at the mall, and you're teaching them how to be empathetic, you're teaching them how to give back," Madera-Silmi says. "It's just an amazing way to give back." For more information on the Giving Machines and to see the items that can be purchased, visit the local Light the World Giving Machines website at www.givingmachinesgreatersacramento.org.