THATCHER — “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something,” EAC president Todd Haynie said Wednesday at the Light the World Giving Machine Kickoff Luncheon at Eastern Arizona College.
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.
The machines will be located in 131 cities worldwide during the holiday season this year and, for the fourth year in a row, 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.
“Since 2017, more than 2 million people (worldwide) have visited a Giving Machine and donated over $44 million in goods and services,” said Debra Spilsbury, city lead for Gila Valley Giving Machines with her husband, Kris. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distributes 100 percent of every contribution to the participating nonprofits.”
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.
This year’s local participating nonprofits are Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS), St. Vincent DePaul Society, and Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry.
SEACUS serves seniors in Graham and Greenlee counties through the Meals on Wheels program; housekeeping and other essential services; respite for care givers; and operating the senior centers in Safford, Clifton and Duncan.
St. Vincent DePaul Society helps residents through its food bank, utility and rent assistance, serving the unhoused, and providing gasoline cards for those who have to travel for medical care.
Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry also operates a food bank for those experiencing food insecurity, as well as growing healthy food for distribution, and using the farm to teach agricultural sciences to area students.
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.
