Service members play an important role in our communities, even when they're deployed, and thanks to a new grant, they'll be able to remain connected to the communities they serve.

Spectrum is donating $1,000 to Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. through its Employee Community Grants initiative.

The money will help Gold Star Mothers send care packages throughout the year to those who are serving overseas.

Blue Star officials say this money will help them increase the number of care packages they can send throughout the year. 

"Their commitment each and every day to the military is just unbelievable, and as a spouse of a military veteran who served in the Army, I understand and think it's so important to keep this going,” said Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo. “It just lifts everyone in the service. I would imagine that they look forward to them coming and receiving them, no matter what's in the boxes. I encourage everyone to donate. I just made a donation as well tonight to them. Their work is very important."

Spectrum is the parent company of this news station.