SAFFORD — An easy way to donate to a worthy cause is returning to Graham County in December.
Light the World Giving Machines will be located at the corner of 8th Avenue and Main Street, in front of Safford City Hall, starting Dec. 2.
“The Giving Machines are a way for us, during the holiday season — this year we have them from Dec. 2 to Dec. 14 — a way to be able to give in a Christ-like way to people all over the world and locally,” said Mark Harrington.
The machines travel, and will start in Tucson for two weeks before coming to Safford and then finishing in Snowflake.
Giving Machines function the same as any other vending machine — after inserting money, the donor chooses which nonprofit with receive the funds. A card drops and donors are encouraged to take a selfie of themselves with the cards, 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. The local nonprofits in the Giving Machines this year are Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS), which serves seniors; Angel’s Closet and Food Bank; and the Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley.
Donations to SEACUS and the Boys and Girls Club qualify for the Arizona State Tax Credit, which allows donors to claim against their state tax liability up to $200 individually, or $400 for couples filing jointly.
The machines’ opening will be celebrated with a ceremony Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. There will be remarks from representatives of multiple religious denominations and the local nonprofit organizations that can receive donations, and performances by the Saguaro String Quartet and a choir of school children from across the Gila Valley.
The machines will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and volunteers will be on-hand to help with the machines’ operation.
The machines are an initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and started in 2017 in four cities — Manila, Philippines; London, England; Salt Lake City and Gilbert. This year, the machines will be in 25 cities in North America, the Philippines and Australia.
Since 2017, the Giving Machines have raised more than $22 million for charitable organizations and initiatives.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, to correct the start time of the kick-off event and to include the name of the string quartet.
