Light the World Mobile Giving Machine is a vending machine with a difference. When you swipe your credit card, instead of buying a candy bar you’re buying an item for an individual or family in need.
Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!
Some items featured in this year’s Giving Machine are a baby toy, pajamas, chickens, bedding set, hot meals, and work attire, with prices ranging from $5 to $240. All operational costs are covered, so your donation goes completely to the local nonprofit.
Light the World Mobile Giving Machine is a project of The Church of Latter-day Saints.
Special events will be taking place most days or nights, including Santa visits, live music, themed nights, karaoke and more. Keep reading for a list of special events that will be taking place while the Mobile Giving Machine is at Promenade on Providence.
The local nonprofits that are receiving the donations are:
- Baby Bundles blesses new mothers in need by giving them a bag full of necessities – baby outfits, blankets, burp cloths, bibs, developmental toys and the like – as they leave the hospital with their newborn.
- Beds for Kids provides beds and essential furniture to children and their families in need through a network of over 40 referral agencies across the Charlotte region.
- The Relatives is Mecklenburg County’s sole emergency shelter serving youth and adolescents. Additionally, it operates On Ramp, a drop-in resource center for young adults seeking help making the successful evolution from youth to independent adult.
Light the World will be available at Promenade on Providence, 10844 Providence Road, Charlotte, from December 14, 2023, to January 1, 2024, with an opening night of December 13. There is plenty of free parking.
Look for updates on the Giving Machine Facebook page.
Special Events at Light the World Mobile Giving Machine
Schedule subject to change. Find the most recent schedule here.
Wednesday, December 13
- 6 p.m.: Ribbon cutting
- Live music by Queen City Singers and Butler High School Jazz Band
- City Councilman Ed Driggs
- Miss South Carolina USA 2022 Meera Bhonsle is emcee.
Thursday, December 14
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Local pageant queens
Friday, December 15
- 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Homeschool Art Show & Crafts
- 6 to 8 p.m.: Chick-fil-a Cow
- 6 to 7 p.m.: Violin — Kirsty Thornton
- 7 to 7:30 p.m.: Charlotte Youth Choir
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: The Mighty Voices
Saturday, December 16
- 1 p.m.: Ballroom dance with Trevor and Emily Guthrie
- 3 to 5 p.m.: Fire truck and first responders with mascot Blaze
- 3 to 5 p.m.: Santa and Mrs. Claus
Sunday, December 17
- 5 to 8 p.m.: Local musicians
Monday, December 18
- 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Providence High School Choirs
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Panthers Night with #70 Brady Christenson
- 6:30 to 7 p.m.: Schwartz Family Singers
Tuesday, December 19
- 10 a.m.: Fitness Class with Kaycie Foster
- 6 to 7 p.m.: Hawaiian Night: Games/crafts
- 7 to 7:30 p.m.: Hawaiian Luau and Fire Dance with Emma and Kainoa Wilson
Wednesday, December 20
- 6 to 8 p.m.: BYU Alumni Night (BYU fudge while supplies last)
Thursday, December 21
- Irish Night
- 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Bagpipes with Noah Schnee
- 6 to 7 p.m.: Royal Academy of Irish Dance
- 7 to 7:30 p.m.: Lanti Performing Arts
Friday, December 22
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Play Date on the Green (crafts and storytime)
- 6:30 p.m.: Mr. Krueger’s Christmas Movie in the Park
Saturday, December 23
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Santa and Mrs. Claus
- 12 p.m.: Steps ‘n Motion
Sunday, December 24
- 3 to 5 p.m.: Caroling, cookies and card making
Monday, December 25
- 1 to 4 p.m.: Single Jingle Mingle
Tuesday, December 26
- No scheduled activities
Wednesday, December 27
- 7 to 8 p.m.: Violin — Dottie Liptrap and friends
Thursday, December 28
- Time TBD: Fuzion Martial Arts
Friday, December 29
- Youth Night
- 6 to 8 p.m.: Karaoke and Dance Party
Saturday, December 30
- Latino Night
- 5:30 to 8 p.m.: Music and dancing
Sunday, December 31
- 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Piano by Bryce Turner
- 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Voice/paino with Hannah Rabon
Monday, January 1
- 11 a.m.: Dog Parade
- 3 p.m.: Dog Parade
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We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Holiday Events
Check out our growing day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area.