Director of hit movie Wicked donates at Giving Machine in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — As his film Wicked: For Good dominated the global box office during its opening weekend, director Jon M. Chu was observed far from the red carpet spotlight, engaging in a quiet act of philanthropy in Los Angeles.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, Chu was spotted at The Grove shopping center, not for a media appearance, but to visit a “Giving Machine”—a charitable vending machine initiative sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A Quiet Moment Amidst Blockbuster Hype

According to Katt Santistevan, a volunteer staffing the machines outside the AMC Theatres, the interaction was notably understated. Despite the area being crowded with fans dressed as the film’s characters, Glinda and Elphaba, Chu arrived without security, an entourage, or media fanfare.

“I see a man, a very well-dressed man, with his daughter,” Santistevan recalled. “I knew right away like, ‘Oh, this is someone important.’… It was opening weekend. And he’s just here. No entourage, no fans following him, no security. Just him as a dad with his daughter, being very present.”

When Santistevan explained that the large red machines were not for dispensing snacks, but for purchasing charitable items—ranging from livestock to medical supplies—for those in need, Chu’s reaction was immediate.

“He was like, ‘That’s so cool. Let’s donate,’” Santistevan said. “He let his daughter go to the machine. She picked out what she wanted, and there was no hesitation.”

The ‘Light the World’ Initiative

The machines used by Chu are part of the “Light the World” campaign, an annual holiday initiative organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since 2017, these “Giving Machines” have been installed in cities globally, allowing passersby to purchase tangible goods for established charities rather than traditional goods.

The initiative covers all operating costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to participating nonprofits, which include international organizations like the American Red Cross and CARE, as well as local partners such as Catholic Charities.Items available for purchase often include food packages, polio vaccines, and educational supplies.

“No One Mourns the Wicked,” But Kindness is Remembered

The volunteer noted that the director, whose film explores themes of public perception and hidden goodness, seemed intent on using the moment as a teaching opportunity for his child. After completing the donation, the father and daughter shared a high-five.

“The fact that he chose to take time and stop and use this machine and buy something to help someone else… he just gave me his time, and he was just so sweet,” Santistevan said. “He didn’t have to. There wasn’t a PR team trailing him. He just did it because it felt good.”

Reflecting on the encounter, Santistevan drew a parallel to the film’s themes. “In the movie, it says, ‘No one mourns the wicked.’ But we do remember the kind acts. We remember the good, for sure. And I’ll remember that.”