The Murray Education Foundation (MEF) is honored to announce its selection as a featured charity partner for the 2025 Light the World Giving Machines campaign at City Creek Center in Salt Lake City. The partnership marks a historic milestone—the first time a Salt Lake County education foundation has been chosen to participate at the City Creek location, one of the flagship Giving Machine sites worldwide.

The public is invited to attend the official kickoff event on Monday, November 24 at 10:45 a.m. at City Creek Mall, where community leaders, Church representatives, and Foundation supporters will celebrate the launch of the 2025 Giving Machine season.

Supporting Murray Students Through the Spirit of Giving

As part of the campaign, the MEF will feature six donation options, each representing a critical need for economically challenged students in the Murray City School District:

• Sponsor an Athlete – $50

• Doctor Visit – $75

• School Supplies – $25

• New Socks – $8

• Winter Coat – $60

When donors make a purchase through the Giving Machines—large, red charity vending machines—the Foundation receives the proceeds and converts them directly into real-world support for Murray students. These funds will help remove barriers to participation, dignity, health, and academic success for children who need it most.

A Global Movement of Compassion

The Giving Machines are part of the Light the World initiative, a global effort by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraging people to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by serving others.

Now in its ninth year, the Giving Machine program continues to expand:

• In 2024, Giving Machine donations exceeded $16 million, benefiting charities around the world.

• Since 2017, donors have contributed nearly $50 million through the machines.

• Last year, donations helped provide 2 million meals, vaccinate 500,000 children, and deliver emergency food boxes to 125,000 refugees.

• For the first time, Giving Machines will appear in South America, contributing to a total of 126 cities in 21 countries hosting machines during this year’s holiday season.

• New participating countries include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Thailand.

Salt Lake City remains one of the premier global locations, drawing thousands of donors annually to the City Creek Center installation.

A Milestone for the Murray Community

“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity,” said Doug Perry, Executive Director of the Murray Education Foundation. “Being selected as a Giving Machine partner allows us to highlight the needs of our students on a global stage while giving our community and supporters an easy, meaningful way to make a direct impact.”

City Creek’s Giving Machines attract visitors from around the world, offering unique, charitable purchasing options that have included a wide range of things such as chickens, hygiene kits, medical supplies, sports equipment, and now—support for Murray students.

Kickoff Event Details

Date: Monday, November 24, 2025
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Location: City Creek Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Cost: Free and open to the public

Community members, families, media, and supporters of public education are encouraged to attend.

About the Murray Education Foundation

The Murray Education Foundation supports students and educators in the Murray City School District through innovation grants, emergency assistance, scholarships, and programs that reduce barriers to student learning. The Foundation is committed to ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive—academically, socially, and physically. Go here to learn more.