New YMCA playground, senior pet program get boost from Sparklight grants
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IDAHO FALLS — Children will soon have a new place to play indoors, and homebound seniors will receive extra help caring for their pets thanks to $6,000 in grants awarded by Sparklight to two eastern Idaho nonprofits.
The Idaho Falls Family YMCA received a $5,000 grant to build a new indoor play structure, while Snake River Animal Shelter was awarded $1,000 to expand its Homebound Heroes program. Both grants were awarded through the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund.
At the YMCA, the funding will transform an underused space into a year-round indoor play area where children can stay active while parents use the facility.
“The Idaho Falls Family YMCA plays an important role in helping children and families stay active, build connections and access programs that support their well-being,” said Ben Burchill, Sparklight’s senior regional director for the Northwest. “We’re proud to support this project and help create a safe, welcoming space where local families can learn, play and grow together.”
YMCA CEO Tanner Rohne said the new playground will provide a safe place for children to play while strengthening youth development and family wellness.
“We are grateful for Sparklight’s partnership and commitment to our community,” Rohne said. “This playground equipment will help us transform an underutilized space into a safe environment where kids can be active, build confidence and explore year-round. Investments like this strengthen youth development, support family well-being and help ensure every child has opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.”
At Snake River Animal Shelter, the $1,000 grant will help expand the Homebound Heroes program, which delivers pet care packages and emergency preparedness resources to homebound seniors while giving local teenagers opportunities to volunteer.
“Organizations like Snake River Animal Shelter strengthen the bond between people and pets while finding innovative ways to support vulnerable members of our community,” Burchill said. “We’re proud to support the Homebound Heroes project, which helps seniors care for their pets and protect them in an emergency.”
Snake River Animal Shelter Executive Director Michelle Ziel-Dingman said the funding will benefit both seniors and their companion animals.
“Pets provide incredible companionship and emotional support for homebound seniors,” Ziel-Dingman said. “Thanks to Sparklight’s generous support, we can equip local seniors with essential supplies and emergency support for their pets while engaging teens in meaningful community service that benefits both our neighbors and their animals.”
The two local grants were part of Sparklight’s latest charitable giving cycle, which awarded more than $125,000 to 28 nonprofit organizations across the communities it serves. The grants support programs focused on children and families, food insecurity, education, life skills and community development.