THATCHER — The Light the World Giving Machines will be in Safford for 20 days this year, and everything starts with the big kick-off event at Safford City Hall on Friday starting at 5 p.m.
“There’s some beautiful music that’s going to happen with our Gila Valley Children’s Chorale, and Ron White and Tracy Brown will sing ‘O Holy Night.’ Elder Todd Haynie will end the program with his remarks,” said local coordinator Debra Spilsbury.
There will also be a tent with free baked goods and hot chocolate, plus the three Wise Men will make an appearance and make the first official donations at the machines.
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.
A total of 30 cards will be in the machines, each representing a different charitable option and amount. To purchase all 30, a purchaser will key in the code 777 and the cost will be $1,737.
New this year are the activities that will take place at the machines each day, from musical performances by high school choirs and local families, to crafts, lawn games, treats and a performance by Extreme Martial Arts
The machines will be located at the corner of 8th Avenue and Main Street, in front of Safford City Hall, Dec. 12 through Jan. 1, and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, including Christmas day.
