Almost $64K to three local nonprofits through Light the World Giving Machines

Our Neighbor's Farm and Pantry Executive Director Bonnie Dalzine, center, gives Light the World Giving Machines co-City Lead Deb Spilsbury a hug while being a presented a check for $27,885 from donations in the machines last December. Also presenting is Kris Spilsbury, left, co-City Lead for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presentation was made during the Safford City Council meeting Monday, March 23, 2026. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Posted By: David Bell March 24, 2026

SAFFORD — The Light the World Giving Machines initiative through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will mean the difference between fresh food and canned for Gila Valley residents in need.

Bonnie Dalzine, executive director for Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry, said the money donated through the giving machines will mean meat, milk, eggs and other perishables can be placed on pantry’s shelves, as well as other items of need.

“To make sure all of the kids have something every time they come in,” Dalzine said. “The hygiene kits are our biggest commodity they look for on our shelves.”

Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry received $27,885 through donations in the Giving Machines last December, while St. Vincent DePaul Society received $19,020 and Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS) received $17,005.

St. Vincent will use the funds to help people with rent, gasoline and utilities; provide socks and shoes; and help people acquire kitchenware. SEACUS will be able to provide 308 weeks of meals for seniors, as well as provide 141 hours of senior care and housekeeping, as well as 45 hours of caregiver respite, thanks to the donations.

Linda Lopez, with St. Vincent DePaul Society, right, is excited to receive a check for $19,020 from Giving Machines Assistant City Leads Marsha and Jonathan Sanders.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Checks were presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the nonprofit organizations during Monday’s Safford City Council meeting.

Channen Day, representing the church, said the money donated to the local nonprofit organizations will help an estimated 9,000 Gila Valley residents.

A total of $139,886 was donated during the time the Giving Machines were in front of Safford City Hall, with $63,910 going to the three local nonprofits, $35,400 going to two statewide charities, and $40,576 donated to two charities that operate globally.

Twenty-one people made a donation for all 30 items in the Giving Machines, totaling about $1,700 each.

The Giving Machines were in Safford for three weeks in 2025, Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. Coordinating the Giving Machines in the Gila Valley for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were:

  • City Leads — Kris and Debra Spilsbury
  • Assistant City Leads — Jonathan and Marsha Sanders
  • Just Serve Reps — Allie Frost, Natalie Goodman, and Emily and Cord Clonts
  • Communication Reps — Brad Bastien, Cliff Davis and Christy Lee
  • Launch Day Event Chairs — Chuck and Terri Ferrin

Kris Spilsbury said the machines will return to Safford in 2026, stationed again in front of Safford City Hall Dec. 16-31, giving Gila Valley residents a second chance to make their donations on Christmas day.

“I think overall, the actual donations were sizable, at least, on Christmas,” Spilsbury said.

In addition to a check for $17,005, Stephanie Nabor, executive director for SEACUS, left, also received a shadow box with the cards people could select for donation to SEACUS through the Light the World Giving Machines in December 2025. Presenting are Emily and Cord Clonts, who served as Just Serve representatives for the Giving Machines.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

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