Much like the Jacksons, the Osmond’s were an American family music group who reached the height of their fame in the early 70s. Yet, it would be two of the youngest siblings, Donny and Marie, that would become household names with their mid-70s variety show bearing the duo’s first names. Since then, Marie, who is the second youngest sibling in a musical family out of 9, has made a name for herself in the music industry, for her charity work, and as a Nutrisystem spokesperson.
One of her upcoming performing engagements will route the media mogul to Fort Worth on Dec. 6, when she along with mayor Mattie Parker will be in attendance for the 77th Annual Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree lighting. This event, which takes place at 7 p.m., is only one of two big reveals scheduled to take place that evening. Osmond will also be unveiling the Light the World Texas Giving Machine before performing a “Have Yourself a Marie Little Christmas” in Sundance Square just before the tree lighting ceremony.
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machine is part of the Light the World interfaith campaign, according to a release. Fort Worth is one of 61 cities worldwide to host a Light the World Giving Machine this year. Since the first Light the World Giving Machine launched in 2017, hundreds of thousands of interfaith contributors have generously contributed $22 million to assist those in need, with one hundred percent of all donations going directly to the participating charities.
The Giving Machine is stocked with things like clothing, hygiene items, meals, school supplies, livestock, and medication that can all be purchased with the swipe of a card. The items in this Giving Machine range in price between $5 to $150. All patrons need to do is pay for the item and watch it roll through the vending machine.
Donations can also be made at Light The World for those not able to visit the machines in person.
The Texas Giving Machine will benefit eight charities regionally, including:
- GRACE Grapevine
- NTX SNAP
- Hugs Café
- Arlington Charities
- It’s Going To Be OK
- Samaritan Inn
- I Can Still Shine
- American Red Cross North Texas
And two global charities:
- African Girls Hope Foundation
- Church World Service
The Texas Giving Machine will grace three DFW locations from Dec. 5 – Jan. 1, 2024. The initial launch will take place in Sundance Square from Dec. 5 – 7. Then, the Giving Machine will travel to Grapevine and will be located near Kountry Donuts at 102 South Main Street from Dec. 9 through Dec. 17. The machines final DFW stop will be in Downtown McKinney at 110 N. Tennessee from Dec. 19 until Jan. 1, 2024. Other cities hosting the Giving Machine include Houston and San Antonio this holiday season.
“The Texas Giving Machine is a fun and unique opportunity for individuals and families to focus on the true meaning behind the season,” said Marie Osmond. “I love the idea of bringing your entire family to the machines and making a donation together. It’s a tangible and simple way to show our children how a small donation can make a big difference in the lives of people right here in their community or in other parts of the world.”
