Giving to charity is now as simple as making a purchase through a vending machine — literally.

As part of its “Light The World” initiative, a US-based church has created vending machines that accept donations for families living all around the world who are in need of aid.

"This is simply symbolic of how easy it is to donate to a charity," Brent H. Nielson, executive director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Missionary Department told Good4Utah. "We’re hoping that people will be able to see how simple it is to just give a few dollars or to just share some money that they have with a charity that's in need."

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Donors put money into the machine to give a gift, instead of receiving one. You can buy two chickens for $25 or a goat for $75, according to Deseret News. These are important gifts for families living in developing countries.

The donations are made possible through various partners working with the church to make the vending machines possible.

Among the donations are personal first aid kits, shoes and medicines, which can be purchased in the machine thanks to Care.org. Utah Food Bank and Eye Care 4 Kids also allows for small food items, glasses and eye exams to be donated, and WaterAid and Water for People allows for donations of bottled water, too.

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The vending machines can be found in the corner of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building's main lobby in downtown Salt Lake City.

Donors will even receive a receipt for deduction purposes.

The LDS Church’s Light the World initiative starts today and will end on Dec. 25.

Global Citizen campaigns on issues of poverty at home and abroad. You can take action here.

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You Can Now Buy a Goat in a Vending Machine for a Family in Need

By Jackie Marchildon