SAFFORD — The local charities taking part in the Light the World Giving Machines for 2026 have been announced.
Taking part in the 2026 fund-raising effort by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are:
- St. Vincent DePaul Society
- Gila Valley Samaritan Home
- Kathy Grimes Caring Hearts Sober Living Facility for Women
The machines will again be located in front of Safford City Hall on Dec. 16-31, giving Gila Valley residents a chance to make their donations on Christmas day.
The Giving Machines started spending the holidays in the Gila Valley in 2022 and through the first three years nearly $200,000 has been donated to local nonprofit organizations, including $63,910 last year to St. Vincent DePaul Society, Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry and SEACUS.
Giving Machines function similar to a vending machine, but instead of receiving an item, the donor chooses which nonprofit with receive the funds. Donors are encouraged to take a selfie of themselves in front of the machines and share those photos on social media.
Donations can be made in denominations between $10-$250.
Donors have their choice of donating to a local organization, statewide or nationwide charities, or an organization doing charity work on a global scale.
