Contributed article
SAFFORD — Sparklight,Safford’s hometown internet provider, helped brighten the holidays for local youth whose parents or guardians are navigating circumstances tied to the justice system.
The company supported a holiday gift initiative led by the Graham County Attorney’s Office, which has partnered with the 911 Toy Drive and Graham County Sheriff’s Department for the past five years, to provide gifts for these children. This year, increasing need left a gap in support for preteens and teens.
To help close that gap, Sparklight funded a $1,000 Walmart shopping trip. Together, Sparklight associates and Graham County Attorney’s Office personnel selected 108 gifts for 32 local youth ages 11 to 18, ensuring these young people were supported during the holiday season.
“These are extraordinarily tough situations no child should have to face,” said Jay Macleod, Sparklight senior regional director southwest. “This shopping trip was about more than gifts — it was about showing these youth that their community cares. At Sparklight, we believe connection starts with compassion, and we’re proud to have been part of this heartfelt initiative.”
For the Graham County Attorney’s Office, support from Sparklight and other community partners has been pivotal.
“I will forever be grateful to Sparklight for stepping up and donating funds to make sure we could meet our goal,” said L. Scott Bennett, Graham County Attorney. “Through the generosity of so many — and specifically that of Sparklight — I am thrilled that there was not a child we are aware of who did not have a present this Christmas.”
Efforts like these are part of Sparklight’s larger effort to strengthen the communities it serves through support for local initiatives, associate volunteerism and grants through its Charitable Giving Fund. The high-speed broadband provider remains committed to advancing education and digital literacy, addressing food insecurity and investing in efforts that deliver positive, sustainable impact.
