Giving Machines initiative in Gilbert results in $900K for various charities

PHOENIX — The third year of an initiative in Gilbert that lets people give back to those in need resulted in over $900,000 for various Valley and global charities.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ four Giving Machines took in about $670,000 for six Valley charities and another $230,000 for causes across the globe, according to a Tuesday press release.

The metro Phoenix charities that will receive the funds and supplies are A New Leaf, Arizona Brainfood, Catholic Charities Community Services Arizona, Child Crisis Arizona, St. Mary’s Food Bank and United Food Bank.

“The dollars raised are critical in meeting the needs of families facing difficult challenges,” Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf, said in the release.

The machines let users purchase food, clean water, health care services, shelter, bedding, skills training, educational supplies and livestock via credit card for anywhere from $2 to $320.

They were installed Nov. 29 and remained at the Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert near Page Avenue and Gilbert Road until the start of 2022.

The machines brought in over $5.8 million in their 10 nationwide spots in 2021 and have collected $15 million since the initiative kicked off in 2017.

The giving machines are part of the church’s #LightTheWorld campaign, which asks people to use the month leading up to Christmas as an opportunity to give back to those in need.

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