CHUBBUCK — Area residents purchased more than 38,000 charitable items through the Light The World Giving Machine over the past two weeks during its Pocatello area debut.

The Giving Machines, part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Light The World initiative, allow people to purchase goods and services for global charities and several nonprofits in East Idaho. Items include everything from food, clothing and other essentials to livestock for families overseas.

Over the past two weeks, thousands stopped by the machines at ICCU Headquarters, 4400 Central Way in Chubbuck, to make purchases. The machines will remain at ICCU Headquarters from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday before being moved to Hemming Village in Rexburg.

This marks the first time the Giving Machine campaign has come to East Idaho. With 38,000 items purchased — including 1,000 goats — residents have demonstrated strong support for nonprofits in the community and abroad.

During its Pocatello area run, hosted at ICCU Headquarters, the campaign transformed the plaza into a hub of holiday activity. A 41-foot decorated tree, concerts and a Thanksgiving-themed tater trot drew hundreds each day.

The plaza hosted musical performances from Jay Osmond, Mercy River and Carrie Yost, along with daily entertainment from local choirs, vocalists, pianists and dancers.

“There’s been lots of fun times,” said Troy Dye, media director for the Giving Machine committee in the Pocatello area. “They serve hot chocolate and cookies. There’s a photo booth where you can take your pictures after you donate at the machines. We had a tater trot Thursday for Thanksgiving and we had over 400 runners who participated. Thursday was pie day, where Walmart donated over 500 miniature pies and we handed those out to people.”

The machines support several nonprofits this year, including Aid For Friends, Bannock Youth Foundation, Bright Tomorrows, United Way and SEICAA, along with global organizations CARE and Right To Play.

Dye said several youth organizations pooled their resources, including a Snake River High School group that raised more than $1,200 to purchase every item from the machines.

After the Pocatello area, the machines head to Hemming Village in Rexburg Dec. 1-14, then to Grand Teton Mall in Idaho Falls from Dec. 15-Jan. 1.

“We’ve had great response from the community,” Dye said. “We hope that they’ll come back next year.”