A group of eight people, some wearing red and white scarves, pose and smile in front of a festive holiday display with Christmas decorations and a sign that reads “Light The World Giving Machine.”.

Giving Machines Unveiled in Shops at River Walk

The spirit of the holiday season was prominently on display recently as the Shops at River Walk. Two giant gift packages were sitting next to the DSW store, and when they were unwrapped revealed their contents – two Light the World Giving Machines. They might look like your typical snack vending machines, but each one has a special purpose – to allow quick donations to one of five local charitable organizations – CAPK, Golden Empire Gleaners, The Open Door Network, Project Linus, and The Salvation Army. The unveiling was attended by a host of local dignitaries as well as many members of the public. You can visit the Light the World Giving Machines until January 4th and make your own charitable holiday donation. The Giving Machines are located near DSW and TJ Maxx.

A woman serves cookies from a pink Crumbl Cookies box at a festive outdoor booth decorated with greenery and ornaments. Several people, including children and a woman in a crown and sash, wait in line.
People gather outdoors at a brightly lit event, using red vending machines labeled "Light the World." The machines are filled with donation cards, and festive holiday decor like balloons and garlands is visible above.
A crowd gathers outdoors at night for a holiday event with festive decorations, red banners, and a stage where people in red shirts are speaking. Some attendees are filming or taking photos.
Four women in red "Giving Machine" shirts sing at microphones in a festively decorated area with Christmas trees, lights, and Giving Machines. People in the background observe the performance. The atmosphere is cheerful and holiday-themed.
A group of eight people, some wearing red and white scarves, pose and smile in front of a festive holiday display with Christmas decorations and a sign that reads “Light The World Giving Machine.”.
A man in a red hat cuts a large red ribbon on two festive red-and-white vending machines, surrounded by balloons and holiday decorations, while two people stand nearby smiling.
Two mascots hold a large donation check for $5,130 to The Bakersfield Giving Machines at a festive holiday event, with wrapped gifts, Christmas decorations, and people in the background.
A woman speaks at a podium decorated for Christmas, with a festive backdrop featuring red gift-wrapped boxes and a decorated tree. Another woman stands and smiles in the background.
A woman in a red jacket speaks at a clear podium with a microphone. Behind her are holiday lights, a decorated tree, and festive red and white signage. She is smiling and holding papers.
A large crowd gathers outdoors at night, some dressed in festive or winter clothes. Several women in blue coats and sashes stand at the front, smiling, with shops and holiday lights visible in the background.
A family with three young girls poses and smiles with a person dressed as Santa Claus outside at night, in front of a lit building decorated for the holidays.
A person dressed as Santa Claus interacts with children in a busy outdoor parking lot at night, surrounded by a crowd of people in winter clothing. Holiday lights and trees are visible in the background.
A crowd gathers outside at night near a building decorated with holiday lights and wreaths. A red sign reads "#LightTheWorld." People, including children, are bundled in winter clothes, some smiling and talking.
A large crowd of people, including children and adults, gathers outdoors at night near a building. Santa Claus is present, interacting with attendees. Some people are dressed warmly, and festive decorations are visible.
A large digital screen displays a list of local non-profits, including CAPK, Special Olympics, Golden Empire Gleaners, Open Door Network, Project Linus, and The Salvation Army, above the JustServe.org logo.
A crowd of people gathers outdoors at night in front of a festive stage with Christmas trees and decorations. Many wear jackets and hats. The Victory Italian Kitchen & Bar sign is visible in the background.
A crowd of people gathers at night outside a brightly lit building decorated with holiday lights and balloons, with a sign reading “Giving Machine” visible in the background.
A festive outdoor area features large red Giving Machines, holiday decorations, wrapped gift boxes, balloons, a Christmas wreath, and a musician playing guitar near a crowd at night.