Closer to Christ with Riley

Today I'll have the wonderful blessing of volunteering in a unique way. Right now at the mall in Orem, Utah, and a few other locations in the United States, there are special vending machines called "Giving Machines." Instead of dispensing candy or other items for personal use, these machines vend cards symbolic of donations. When you select a donation like a pair of shoes or textbooks, your donation card drops into a clear bin below. Your donation will be recorded and all  of your money will be used by a local or global charity to purchase the item you chose or one that best suits the needs of others. Come check out the Giving Machines or learn more at lighttheworld.org !

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts out a calendar each year with service ideas I love. It comes out each Christmas and goes through the Christmas season with service ideas for each day. Today's service idea is "Freely Give." It encourages us to give or serve at a local charity or a Giving Machine if you live near one. My sister's school is doing penny wars and collecting money for families in need that attend the school. A few coins make a difference and I was happy to give. What will you do today to light the world with love? (See lighttheworld.org and comeuntochrist.org for details on this month's service ideas.)