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Local ‘Light the World’ giving machines credited with thousands of donations to Safford charities
Summary
Representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and three local charities presented results from the Light the World giving machines, saying more than 5,400 residents donated locally over 22 days and local groups received checks totaling about $64,905; the council recognized volunteers and recorded distributions for the official record.
Shannon Day, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Light the World initiative, told the Safford City Council on March 23 that the giving-machine campaign generated widespread local participation and measurable donations.
“The purpose of the giving machines has always been simple yet profound: to lift individuals and unite communities through Christlike service,” Day said during a brief presentation introduced by Interim City Manager Eric Beherani. Day said volunteers logged more than 1,000 hours in Safford while the machines were onsite for 22 days and that about half of donations made during the season stayed in the Hila Valley.
The presentation included check amounts placed into the official record: St. Vincent de Paul received $19,020 and Our Neighbors Farm and Pantry received $27,885; a listing for a second local charity (identified in the presentation as CECUS) was read but the transcript recording of the amount is partially unclear. Staff said volunteers and local partners will receive shadow-box displays of donor item cards as symbolic recognition.
Beherani thanked local volunteers and the city council for supporting the program’s logistics and noted staff time used to ensure legal and permitting requirements were met before placing the kiosks on the city hall lawn.
The presentation closed with council members and charity representatives taking photos and the mayor placing the donation amounts into the official minute record. Council took no formal action beyond recognition and recording the distributions.
