By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The community gathered at Safford City Hall on Friday to celebrate the opening of the Light the World Giving Machines’ stay in the Gila Valley. The machines will be at the Safford City Hall through the end of the year. One hundred percent of all monies and goods donated through the machines go to the charity of choice.
Friday was the fourth annual unveiling of the Giving Machines in the Gila Valley. They are placed and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who also handle all transaction fees. Inside the machines, one can purchase a service or a good for those in need. Local nonprofits that people can bless include Our Neighbor’s Farm & Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul – St. Rose of Lima Church, and SEACUS (Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services), which provides Meals-on-Wheels for seniors and other services.
Eastern Arizona College Dean of Students Gary Sorensen served as the master of ceremonies, provided background on the Giving Machine, and introduced the guests and speakers.
“The mission of the Light the World initiative, which debuted in 2017, is to lift individuals and unite communities through Christlike service,” Sorensen said. “Our purpose is to bring individuals and families to a place where they can have a positive experience with the holy spirit and inspire communities to follow the second great commandment, love thy neighbor.”
Elder Todd D. Haynie, Area Seventy Authority Eleventh Quorum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was the keynote speaker. Haynie also serves as the President of Eastern Arizona College.
“It is events like these that bring our community together, as we show a commonality of purpose of charity and love during the Christmas season,” Haynie said.
Several representatives of local and state charities that benefit from the Giving Machines also spoke at the kickoff event. They expressed their gratitude not only to the Giving Machines but also to everyone who helps put the program together and to everyone who participates.
Haynie noted that while the Gila Valley is rich in resources, the most precious commodity is its people.
“We have a beautiful mountain here in this valley,” Haynie said. “The wonderful Gila River runs through this valley. The rich farmland that produces cotton and other produce and we have rich mineral resources. But the people are what make this community strong. You are who make this community great.”
The program also featured the Children’s Choir directed by Ethan McBride and a special number by Ron White and Tracy Brown, who sang O’ Holy Night while accompanied by Teresa Boren on the piano.
The hospitality tent was filled with a wide assortment of cookies, along with hot cocoa to wash them down. A special visit from three wise men and four angelic guides concluded the ceremony and opened the Giving Machines for purchases to help those in need. Those in attendance, including Phillip Palmer of Ashcreek Financial Advisors, who helped set up the machines, began using them. Palmer encouraged community members to see the machines for themselves and feel the spirit.
“I hope the whole town comes down, even if they don’t purchase something, just come check it out,” Palmer said. “The spirit of being around here is great.”
In closing, Haynie quoted former Gila Valley resident and LDS President Spencer W. Kimball, saying that while God watches over us, it is usually through another person that our needs are met.
“We have an opportunity to maybe just be that Christmas miracle that someone else has been praying for.”
The Giving Machines will be at the Safford City Hall lawn at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Main Street through the end of the year.
Donate love and support your global community and local charities by purchasing at the unique vending machines. Instead of buying a candy bar or soda, you can select from such items as groceries, fresh water, child vaccines, beds, hygiene kits, farming equipment, medical care, job training, educational supplies, beehives, and livestock.
