When Lisa Wehrli heard the news that a Light the World Giving Machine was coming to Eastern Idaho, she saw it as a sign that God is aware of her and her family.
The Wehrli’s started donating to Giving Machines when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched the program in 2017, creating a cherished Christmas tradition.
“We gathered for family home evening and as I was reading off all of the things that we could buy, my youngest son Bridger was so excited about the goat and he was very adamant that he was going to buy a goat,” Wehrli said. “I'll just never forget the sparkle and twinkle in his eyes as he pushed that button and he bought that goat and he was so proud that day.”
Bridger passed away last April. His family remembers him for his giving spirit and kindness.
“When I heard that the Giving Machines were coming, I just felt like it was just a gift that was being sent here just for me,” Wehrli said.
On opening day in Chubbuck, the Wehrli family was among the first to donate, purchasing several goats in honor of their late son, brother and grandson.
“I just think what an amazing opportunity we have to, just like Bridger, make somebody's life a little bit brighter and a little bit better,” Wehrli said.
Also amongst the first to donate was an Activity Days Girls group from a local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ. The young girls gleaned over 3,000 potatoes to raise money for the Giving Machine. By selling the potatoes door to door, they earned over $1,050 enough for a “777” donation, meaning they purchased one of each item in the machine.
“It makes me feel good that I can help people,” Reagan, one of the girls said.
Another young first donor was 11-year-old Peyton Saunders, who worked several small jobs in and out of school to earn money to help others.
“It really brings joy to me, but it might also bring joy to other people that really need it. It might feel like sometimes here in the downest of the deeps and then God has a plan for you, and he makes you and he gives you so much joy,” Saunders said.
The Giving Machine will be in Eastern Idaho throughout the holiday season at the following locations:
Chubbuck: ICCU Headquarters, Nov. 15–30
Rexburg: Hemming Village, Dec. 1–14
Idaho Falls: Grand Teton Mall, Dec. 15–Jan. 1
Each location will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and staffed by local volunteers.
“I am a firm believer that when we love and we serve and we give, we receive more than we can possibly give,” Wehrli said.