SAFFORD — With the Light the World Giving Machines staying in the Gila Valley a few extra days this year, organizers want to end with a big bang.
A one-day blitz will take place on the Giving Machines’ final day Safford.
“We’re inviting all to make one transaction at the Giving Machines (on) Thursday, Jan. 1,” Debra Spilsbury said in a text to Gila Valley Central. “1-1-1. One day, one choice, one powerful act of giving.”
The machines are located at the corner of Main Street and 8th Avenue, in front of Safford City Hall, and are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The machines function the same as any other vending machine; however, no item comes out of the machine rather the buyer chooses which local, state, or international nonprofit will receive the funds. A card drops and donors are encouraged to take selfies of themselves making the donation.
2025 marks the fourth year the Giving Machines make a stop in the Gila Valley, and this year the local nonprofits that will benefit are Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS), St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry.
It’s estimated that 10,456 Gila Valley residents’ lives were impacted by more than $48,000 in donations in the Giving Machines in 2024.
The other charities in this year’s Giving Machines will be two statewide nonprofits — Hope Women’s Center and Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation — and global charities Church World Services and Days for Girls Charities.
