Giving Machines, tree lighting to kick off holiday season in Chubbuck
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CHUBBUCK — The season of giving kicks off Friday, with a free community celebration launching the Pocatello Giving Machine Initiative.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Idaho Central Credit Union headquarters, 4400 Central Way, and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, ICCU’s annual Christmas tree lighting and live entertainment, including performances by local and nationally recognized entertainers.
A Parade of Charities will kick off the celebration, followed by mayors from 13 surrounding communities signing a joint proclamation encouraging service and charitable giving.
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Speakers will include ICCU CEO Brenda Worrell and Elder David J. Pickett, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A children’s choir will perform “This Little Light of Mine,” followed by the tree lighting at 6:45 p.m. The Lava Flow Fire Dancers will perform immediately afterward, and “America’s Got Talent” alumna Evie Clair will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
The Giving Machine Initiative is part of the church’s annual Light the World Christmas campaign, which encourages people to help those in need during the holiday season.
Unlike traditional vending machines, Giving Machines allow visitors to purchase items for people in need rather than themselves. Donations can provide food, clothing, hygiene products, school supplies and even livestock to families and communities around the world.
Organizer Larry Fisher said the initiative gives East Idaho residents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference locally and globally.
“We express our appreciation for what people are doing to promote giving to those in need this holiday season through this initiative,” Fisher said. “This initiative blesses the lives of so many, both here in East Idaho and around the world.”
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operating expenses, allowing participating nonprofit organizations to receive 100% of donations to purchase and distribute the selected items.
This year’s participating local charities include Family Services Alliance, Pocatello Free Clinic, School District 25 Education Foundation, The Idaho Foodbank and United Way of Southeastern Idaho. Global partners include Days for Girls International and Mentors International.
Since launching in 2017, the Giving Machine Initiative has generated approximately $70 million in donations worldwide. In 2025 alone, the machines operated in 126 cities across 21 countries and six continents.
For more information go to Giving Machine East Idaho