Light the World Giving Machine Indy

November 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Give a little joy.
Right here in Carmel.

A vending machine with a generous twist. At the Light the World Giving Machine, you choose a gift for someone in need — from groceries for a neighbor to clean water for a family.

Plan your visitWatch One Drop

Carter Green, CarmelNext to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Open 24 hours a day throughout the season

A visitor jumps for joy beside the red Giving Machine in Indiana
A little joy from a past Indiana season.

Make it a holiday outing.

Bring your family, your friends, or just yourself. One local stop. So many ways to give.

Get directions

Find the red machine

Carter Green / Carmel City Center
10 Carter Green
Carmel, IN 46032
Next to the Christkindlmarkt

Come when it works for you

November 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Open 24 hours, every day.
The machine stays open when the market is closed.

Parking and accessible parkingMarket dates and hours

The market has a separate schedule and limited hours. The Giving Machine kickoff event’s date and time will be announced.

A small act.
A real difference.

Instead of taking home a snack, you help a nonprofit deliver something someone needs. The best part is choosing what to give.

30 items. Seven charities. Gifts from $5 to $200.

  1. Choose something meaningful

    Browse the cards in the machine. Pick meals, baby supplies, medical care, or another item that speaks to you.

  2. Tap, give, and watch it drop

    Pay by credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. Your item card drops into the display bin, and you receive a digital receipt.

  3. The charity takes it from there

    The participating nonprofit uses your donation to provide the item or service. You leave with a memory of giving.

100% goes to the nonprofit.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers operating expenses. Nonprofits may use up to 10% for administration. More about how donations work.

A family holding donation cards at a Giving Machine during a past Indiana season

One drop can
start something good.

See the heart behind the Giving Machine, then come make a memory of your own.

Watch One Drop

2026 One Drop - Giving Machine Indy
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Family photo from a past season; this year’s items are below.

Meet the neighbors
you can help.

Five Indiana nonprofits. Everyday needs, right in our communities. Watch their short introductions and find a gift that matters to you.

The 2026 local partners
Featured at the Carmel machine

Your kindness can travel, too.

Two global partners also have items in the 2026 Carmel machine.

Water for Good logo

Water for Good

Clean water access, well repairs, and hygiene training for communities in the Central African Republic.

Meet Water for Good
Items you can give
  • Water pump repair$9
  • Village water treatment$45
  • Family hygiene training$75
Mentors International logo

Mentors International

Mentoring, small loans, and business training that help families build lasting livelihoods.

Meet Mentors International
Items you can give
  • Cooking business kit$40
  • Two chickens$20

A few things
before you go.

New to the Giving Machine? You’re in good company. Here’s what to expect.

See the visiting details
When is the machine open?

November 18, 2026 through January 3, 2027, 24 hours a day. The Giving Machine is next to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt at Carter Green and remains open when the market is closed. Check the market’s own schedule if you want to visit both.

What does it cost, and how do I pay?

The 30 featured items range from $5 to $200. Choose the items and amount that work for you. Bring a credit or debit card, or use mobile payment such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. The Carmel machine does not accept cash.

Do I take the item home with me?

No. The card that drops into the machine’s display bin represents your gift. The nonprofit receives your donation and provides the selected item or service to people it serves.

Where does my donation go?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers the initiative’s operating expenses, so 100% of donated money reaches participating nonprofits. Those nonprofits may use up to 10% for administrative costs.

If an unexpected need requires a substitution, the nonprofit provides another item or service in the same category. Learn more on the official Giving Machine website.

Can I bring children or a group?

Yes. Choosing a gift together is a simple way to make giving part of your holiday traditions. Come with your family, friends, congregation, or coworkers. Each person can help choose a cause that matters to them.

Where should I park?

Nearby downtown garages offer free parking. Allow time to walk to Carter Green, especially during busy market hours. The venue’s parking and directions page includes garage locations and accessible parking information. Check it before you travel.

Who organizes the Giving Machine?

The Giving Machine is part of Light the World, the Christmas initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A local volunteer committee helps bring the experience to Indiana with participating nonprofit partners. Everyone is welcome to take part.

Is there a kickoff event?

The 2026 kickoff event’s date and time are still to be announced. The machine season starts November 18. Follow our local social pages for event updates.

Keep the good going.

Follow Giving Machine Indy for local stories, seasonal updates, and a little inspiration to bring someone along.

Planning a visit with your church or organization? Use the facilitator guide and presentation deck to introduce the experience.

Part of Light the World.

Explore the official initiative and announcements from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bring someone.
Give something good.

Carter Green, Carmel
November 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Get directions

Giving Machine Indy video

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