Light the World Giving Machine Features Central Union Mission for the Holidays  

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joshua Kinney
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 484-557-1601
jkinney@missiondc.org
McLean, VA— December 5, 2025 — This holiday season, Central Union Mission will be featured in the Light the World Giving Machine in Tysons Corner Center, now open through January 5. These unique bright red charitable vending machines allow shoppers to “purchase” life-changing gifts such as meals, hygiene kits, warm beds, and other essentials for neighbors in need across the DMV. 
 
On Saturday, December 6, Central Union Mission will celebrate its official Feature Day, inviting the community to stop by for festive fun, hands-on service, and a special performance by the Men of Valor, the choir made up of program participants and overnight guests from the Mission’s Men’s Emergency Shelter.
 
“We love the Giving Machines because they turn generosity into something you can literally see, touch, and share, said Joe Mettimano, Mission President & CEO. “Every selection—a meal, a night of shelter, a coat—represents real hope for someone experiencing homelessness or crisis. We were thrilled to participate for the first time this year and invite the community to come out and celebrate with us.” 
 
EVENT DETAILS
  • Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
  • Location: Tysons Corner Center, near the AMC Theatre entrance, McLean, VA (inside the mall) where The Giving Machine is installed for the holiday season.
  • Time: Activities from 11 am – 8 pm, the Men of Valor Choir performs at 2 pm
  • How it works: Visitors approach the machine, choose a gift for Central Union Mission, pay by card or mobile payment (no cash), and receive a digital receipt. The card symbolically drops into the collection bin as a visible sign of the donor’s gift.
 
It’s also possible to give online by going to missiondc.org/givingmachines:
 
  • For $15, you can purchase Hygiene Essentials, including soap, shaving cream, and a razor to help someone feel renewed.
  • For $25, you can provide one Night of Shelter and care for a homeless man.
  • For $50, you can purchase 250 Diapers for a struggling family.
  • For $100, you can purchase 30 Hot Meals that are chef-prepared to feed hungry and homeless neighbors.
  • For $150, you can provide Christmas Joy, giving a child gifts, a warm coat, and love through Operation Christmas Miracle. 
 
Media Inquires
Central Union Mission invites media representatives to join us on Saturday, December 6 to:
  • Interview Mission staff about our work serving men, women, and families across the region
  • Capture visuals of the Giving Machine in action and the Men of Valor choir
  • Film community members writing Christmas cards for men experiencing homelessness
    Meet some of the people whose lives have been impacted by your support

For more information, questions, or to learn more, please contact Joshua Kinney, Director of Marketing & Communications, at jkinney@missiondc.org or call 484-557-1601.

About Central Union Mission:
Central Union Mission, Washington, DC’s oldest private social service agency and a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers a comprehensive array of services to men, women and children in need from DC, Virginia and Maryland. Beyond offering over 60,000 bed-nights annually at its emergency shelter, the Mission’s shelter provides a full suite of transformational programs. Our Comprehensive Family Resource Center provides food and clothing to approximately 5,000 individuals monthly, as well as transformative wrap-around services. Our Mission: NOVA center in south Arlington provides critically needed social services, as well as food and clothing. All three facilities use a co-located service model providing onsite job training/placement, education, help with addictions, ESL classes, parenting classes, healthcare, assistance to veterans and senior citizens, legal aid, assistance with housing, spiritual discipleship and more. Additionally, the Mission operates a camp for underprivileged children and a 24-bed transition home. Our reputation is reflected in our four-star rating from Charity Navigator, Platinum Seal for financial transparency from Candid, and Top-Rated award from Great Non-Profits.