SAFFORD — Led by angels, three wise men made their way across the Safford City Hall lawn to the Light the World Giving Machines during Friday’s kick-off event.
There, each took a turn to make a donation to a worthwhile cause — a goat for a family in need in a third-world nation, clothing for a child in foster care, and job training and coaching for women escaping an abusive situation.
The Wise Men — Tom Pursley, Daniel Long, and Jonathan Nolan — also cut the ribbons officially opening the Giving Machines to the public to make donations to local, state, national and world-wide charitable organizations.
“It is events like these that bring our communities together as we show a commonality of purpose, of charity and love during the Christmas season,” said keynote speaker Todd Haynie. “It is a truism that we are stronger together. The corollary is that when we are together we grow stronger and we become one.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The Light the World Giving Machines returned to the Gila Valley for the fourth year in a row Friday, starting a 21-day stay at the corner of 8th Avenue and Main Street, in front of Safford City Hall. Giving Machines are an initiative started by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and supported by multiple faiths.
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, national or international nonprofit will receive the funds. A card drops and donors are encouraged to take selfies of themselves making the donation.
In addition to Haynie, speakers included representatives of the three local nonprofits featured in the machines — St. Vincent DePaul Society, Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry and Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS) — as well as representatives of two statewide charities, Arizona Friends of Foster Children and Hope Women’s Center.
“This holiday season, we were honored to be chosen to be a part of the Giving Machines and are asking for our and your guys’ continued support,” said Stephanie Nabor, SEACUS executive director. “Whether it’s providing a hot, nutritious meal to a homebound senior, offering supportive services that help older adults remain independent in their home, or giving relief to family caregivers through our respite program, every gift makes a meaningful difference. It means so much to us, but even more to the seniors that we serve in both Graham and Greenlee counties.”
Songs were offered by the Gila Valley Children’s Chorale, and a duet by Ron White and Tracy Brown. And the prayers were offered by Pastor Jeremy Scott with MVMT Church and Pastor Sherry Brandy with United Methodist Church.
The Light the World Giving Machines will be in Safford from Dec. 12 to Jan. 1, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. Volunteers will be onsite to assist donors, and there will be activities each day, including local singers, crafts and martial arts demonstrations.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
