CHUBBUCK — Various local charities received a total of $960,534 in donations thanks to the generosity of the community while the Giving Machines were located at ICCU’s headquarters in Chubbuck.

The donations were presented to each participating charity on Tuesday at the same ICCU location.

During the 16 days the Giving Machines were in Pocatello, there were 29,496 items donated and 32,000 visitors.

Sherri Matson, head of the Giving Machine program in the Pocatello area, said in her remarks at Tuesday’s ceremony that the experience was magical.

“This is truly a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together and gives with a shared purpose,” Matson said. “During November and December, we witnessed something remarkable here in Pocatello and across East Idaho.”

Matson said several individuals, schools, churches, businesses and other organizations made efforts to visit the Giving Machines and donate whatever they could.

“People gave not just their resources, but their time, their talents and their hearts,” Matson said. “Acts of generosity both large and small created a ripple effect that touched thousands of lives.”

The charities that received donations thanks to the Giving Machines included Aid for Friends, Bannock Youth Foundation, Bright Tomorrows, SEICAA, United Way, Right to Play and Care USA.

“The work that (they) do every day strengthens our community,” Matson said.

Representatives from each charity expressed gratitude to the community for supporting their organizations by donating via the Giving Machines.

Cassidy Roske, executive director of Bright Tomorrows, expressed gratitude for the community, ICCU and everyone who made the experience possible.

“It was truly one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had in my time with Bright Tomorrows,” Roske said.

Roske said she felt humbled to watch community members endure the cold weather to visit ICCU’s headquarters and make a donation. The cold didn’t stop people from showing kindness and helping those in need.

“They would come and they would stand in line and they had a smile on their faces,” Roske said. “That to me was so incredible because that was the power of being excited to donate and being excited to help. It was incredible to watch.”

One experience that stood out to Roske was when she saw an old woman selecting a few items from a Giving Machine and then wondering what more she could do to help.

“It wasn’t about anything other than wanting to make a difference for somebody who might be able to use it,” Roske said.

Brenda Worrell, CEO of ICCU, said she was grateful to have been invited to Tuesday’s event. She said she enjoyed watching all the people come day after day during the two weeks the Giving Machines were at ICCU’s headquarters.

“It was amazing to come here every day for two weeks and feel the spirit on this campus,” Worrell said. “It was a great kickoff to the holiday season.”

Worrell said she knew people who would visit the campus every day and purchase something from the Giving Machines. They would come to listen to the performers and enjoy the peaceful feeling the campus had.

“I’m so proud of our community,” Worrell said.

Elder David Pickett, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said he was also proud of the generosity of the community and its willingness to give.

“You represent the finest of the finest,” Pickett said about those who donated. “On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I want to thank you for being who you are.”