SAFFORD — On Monday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented the participants in the Light the World Giving Machines the proceeds from last year’s holiday giving program.
Donors contributed $12,565 to Mt. Graham Safe House, $12,880 to St. Vincent DePaul Society, and $22,655 to Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry.
Todd Haynie, with the church, said more than half of the contributions made at the Giving Machines — which were stationed outside of Safford City Hall on Dec. 2-14, 2024 — went to the three local nonprofit organizations.
“We calculate the value of these contributions based on the lives impacted, not just on the dollars donated,” Haynie said, adding the church estimates 1,867 lives will be impacted by the dollars donated, 1,158 impacted through the donations to Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry, and the donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society impacting 7,441 lives.
“I would like to start off by thanking The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for letting the Mt. Graham Safe House be a part of this wonderful opportunity,” said Brandy Burnett, outreach coordinator for Mt. Graham Safe House.
Linda Lopez, with St. Vincent DePaul Society, said the money will help people with housing people with temporary shelter, children receive new underwear and socks, appliances for those suffering loss due to fire or other natural catastrophe, help with travel for out of the area medical treatment and assistance with utility bills.
“This is going to help probably over 1,000 families total,” said Bonnie Dalzine, executive director for Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry. “And when I say 1,000 families total, it could even be more. There are a lot of single parents that are struggling right now, that can’t afford the basics.”
It was the third year in a row the Giving Machines came to Safford and plans are underway to bring them back for the 2025 holiday season.
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; and donors have their choice of donating to a local organization, statewide or nationwide charities, or an organization doing charity work on a global scale.
All the money donated goes to the charity; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints absorbs all administrative costs.
