HALO Receives $61,927 from Light the World Giving Machine Campaign
Kansas City, MO — The HALO Foundation (HALO) has received $61,927 through the 2025 Light the World Giving Machine campaign in Kansas City, providing essential resources for youth experiencing homelessness, with donations ranging from $9 school supplies to $100 to provide a week of groceries.
During the holiday season, Kansas Citians visited the Giving Machine at Union Station—an innovative vending machine that allows individuals to donate essential items and services with a simple card swipe. A traveling six-foot touchscreen kiosk was also shared throughout the community at corporate, public and private locations to further increase donations. Together, these efforts generated more than $345,974 in total donations, with 100% of contributions going directly to participating charities.
Through this community-driven effort, donors provided thousands of tangible items to support HALO youth, detailed in the accompanying chart.
“These donations represent more than just items—they represent stability, dignity, and hope for the youth we serve,” said HALO Founder & CEO Rebecca Welsh. “We are incredibly grateful to the Kansas City community and the Giving Machine initiative for making a meaningful impact in the lives of homeless and at-risk youth.”
The check presentation took place on April 14 at Union Station, where seven local and two global nonprofit partners were recognized for their role in the campaign. The event celebrated the collective generosity of the Kansas City community and highlighted the impact of simple acts of kindness during the holiday season.
Local nonprofit beneficiaries include The HALO Foundation, Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph, Happy Bottoms, Harvesters: The Community Food Network, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, and Science City at Union Station. Global charities include Days for Girls and CARE International.
ABOUT #LIGHTTHEWORLD GIVING MACHINE:
The Light the World Giving Machine initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has grown significantly since its launch in 2017. In Kansas City alone, the campaign has raised nearly $1.4 million since 2021, while global efforts have generated more than $70 million in donations to support charitable organizations worldwide. For more information, go to www.givingmachinekc.org. Follow on social using #LightTheWorld or #GivingMachinesKC.
ABOUT HALO:
HALO believes every child should have the foundation of a family. Since 2005, HALO has provided love in the form of housing, healing, and education for homeless and at-risk children. Featured in the Moroccanoil INSPIRED film series, “American Spirit” of CBS Evening News, “Heroes Among Us” and “25 Women Changing the World” of PEOPLE magazine, “The Today Show,” Variety Magazine, and Oprah Daily, HALO serves over 3,000 children and supports 15 programs around the globe each year. It has Learning Centers and Housing programs in Kansas City and Jefferson City, Missouri. HALO also supports orphanages and programs in Uganda, Kenya, and Mexico. Learn how Love Heals at HALO and help one more child spend one less day alone at www.haloworldwide.org.
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If interested in interviewing HALO Founder & CEO Rebecca Welsh, please contact [email protected].
