FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CATHOLIC CHARITIES TO RECEIVE $90,665 IN #LIGHTTHEWORLD DONATIONS
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 27, 2020): Catholic Charities Social Services will receive unique items and services with a value of nearly $91,000 from community donations through Gilbert Arizona Giving Machines.
Catholic Charities is one of six Metro-Phoenix charities receiving donations Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30 PM during the Gilbert Town Council Meeting held at the Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E Civic Center Drive in Gilbert. The other nonprofit agencies benefitting from the campaign are A New Leaf, Arizona’s Disabled Sports, Child Crisis Arizona, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and United Food Bank.
Ten Giving Machines located throughout the world collected in excess of $6 million dollars in charitable donations in 2019. Over $1 million of that total was contributed locally at the Gilbert Giving Machines. Patrons of the Gilbert Giving Machines also donated in excess of $300,000 to the international charity, CWS Global.
The Giving Machines were part of the larger #LightTheWorld initiative, which encouraged people to perform instant acts of service that make a difference in others’ lives.
Donors to Catholic Charities chose to give 25 emergency hotel stays (totaling $7,500); attire for 218 job interviews ($14,170); 3,619 donations for children’s books and games ($18,095); 173 bicycles ($21,625); and 1,171 cases of diapers ($29,275).
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and the community support reflected in these donations that will help individuals and families in our programs,” said Malissa Geer, Senior Director of Community, Faith and Volunteer Engagement for Catholic Charities. “The idea of the Giving Machines was for small donations to make a big impact. It did, and on behalf of those we serve, we’re both thrilled and grateful.”
The 2019 Giving Machines were located in Manila, Philippines; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gilbert, Arizona; Laie, Oahu, Hawaii; Salt Lake City, Utah; Orem, Utah; Denver, Colorado; San Jose, California; New York, New York; and London, England.
2019 was the third year for the Giving Machines sponsored through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which raised more than $2.3 million in 2018 for local and global charities. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to partner charities for the purchased item or for items or services of greater need based on their discretion. This community of faith covers all administrative costs for this campaign and costs associated with its nonprofit partners. Together, these groups #LightTheWorld.
About Catholic Charities: Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities provides care for the vulnerable of all faiths in central and northern Arizona through programs in foster care, early education, veteran services, refugee resettlement, and homeless outreach. Housing for Hope, a separate 501c3, is an affiliate of Catholic Charities and provides affordable housing. Learn more by visiting www.CatholicCharitiesAZ.org or www.housingforhopeAZ.org. Social connections include www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesAZ and twitter.com/CCArizona.
Contact:
Jean Christofferson, Catholic Charities Community Services, 602-650-4847
