THE FOLLOWING IS A SPARKLIGHT/CABLEONE/WESTVILLE BACKPACK PROGRAM RELEASE
WESTVILLE, Ill. (Feb. 9, 2026) – Students facing food insecurity will get a boost from a $2,000 grant awarded to the Westville Backpack Program by Sparklight® through its Charitable Giving Fund. The grant will help provide take-home food backpacks for elementary and high school students in need.
During its recent grant cycle, Sparklight awarded more than $125,000 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations across the cities and towns it serves. From child and family support to hunger relief to education and vital skills training, the funding is helping enhance communities and uplift lives.
“Good neighbors step up for each other, and the Westville Backpack Program is a great example of that spirit in action,” said Travis Harr, Sparklight Senior Regional Director, North Central. “Sparklight is proud to partner with them to help ensure students have access to the healthy food they need.”
Westville Backpack Program Vice President Mandy Alvarez expressed appreciation for the grant.
“Sparklight’s Charitable Giving Fund grant comes at a vital time,” said Alvarez. “With more families becoming at risk for food insecurity, Sparklight’s grant will help us purchase food for weekend backpacks, ensuring students have nutritious meals outside of school hours. This support strengthens our capacity to fight hunger locally, reduce food insecurity for families and help students return to school each Monday ready to learn.”
The company’s Charitable Giving Fund focuses on initiatives that create lasting, local impact, including education and digital literacy, hunger relief and community development. Since the Fund’s inception in 2020, Sparklight has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to more than 275 nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant during open application periods each spring and fall. Applications for the spring 2026 cycle will be accepted April 1–30, 2026.
For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, please visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.
About Sparklight
Sparklight is a leading broadband communications provider delivering exceptional service and enabling more than 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states to thrive and stay connected to what matters most. Through Sparklight®, the brand our customers know and trust, we’re not just shaping the future of connectivity – we’re transforming it with a commitment to innovation, reliability and customer experience at our core.
Our robust infrastructure and cutting-edge technology don’t just keep our customers connected; they help drive progress in education, business and everyday life. We’re dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering our communities and fostering a more connected world. When our customers choose Sparklight, they are choosing a team that is always working for them — one that believes in the relentless pursuit of reliability, because being a trusted neighbor isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.
