Hawai‘i Giving Machines return in 2025, vending joy and igniting holiday cheer

The Giving Machine is once again poised to light up Hawai‘i during the holidays.

This innovative holiday campaign gets away from traditional donation methods, using red box vending machines strategically placed in venues at the state’s busiest shopping malls and areas to provide life-changing community gifts and services.

“The concept combines the joy of giving items and services with a unique philanthropic experience, making it a memorable way to contribute to the community,” said The Giving Machine in Hawai‘i Coordinator Mufi Hannemann in an announcement about the Giving Machine effort. “These machines are filled with essential virtual supplies, including food, clothing, diapers and hygiene items, along with opportunities to support more local charities than before.”

Giving Machine is also expanding its reach in 2025 to six locations on three islands and collaborating with 16 local nonprofit charities throughout Hawai‘i.

“What is raised on each island stays on that island,” said Hannemann.

Donations at Hawai’i Island Giving Machines support Hawai‘i Diaper Bank; The Food Basket, Hawai’i Island’s food bank; Interfaith Communities in Action; Project Hawai‘i Inc.; and Pohaha I Ka Lani — uplifting families and communities around the island.

Machines will be located at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo and — for the first time — at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa.

Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green will serve as honorary co-chairs for the fifth consecutive year and join Hannemann, the O‘ahu nonprofit participants and other special guests Saturday (Nov. 22) for a kick-off ceremony at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu.

The launch of these red, giving-focused eye magnets is taking place throughout three islands, with an open invitation to the public. They will remain open to receive donations until New Year’s Eve.

HAWAI‘I ISLAND LAUNCH DATES

• 5 p.m. Nov. 21: Queens’ Marketplace, 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Drive, Waikōloa.
• 5 p.m. Nov. 25: Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 Pūʻainakō St., Hilo.

“Amidst the shadows, we can illuminate the path for those in darkness, bringing hope and clarity to their lives. We encourage everyone to beam the light of Christ, offering support and compassion through these unconventional gift-giving efforts,” said communications director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wailana Kamauu in the announcement.

The church sponsors all Giving Machines globally, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds collected go directly to the partnering local charities.

Hundreds of Hawai‘i residents and tourists contributed nearly $245,000 last year.

Explore the chance to share your heart and discover how you can cultivate generosity and bring happiness to others — all wrapped up in the joy of giving — one gift at a time.

Click here or reach out to Hilo city lead Angie Woods via email at n2_dance@yahoo.com and Kona city lead Hawea Fabricus at discoverykani@gmail.com with any questions or to get additional information.

THE GIVING MACHINE 2025 PARTICIPATING BIG ISAND CHARITIES

• The Food Basket, Hawai‘i Island’s food bank.
• Hawai‘i Diaper Bank.
• Interfaith Communities in Action.
• Pōhāhā I Ka Lani.
• Project Hawai‘i.