HAMPDEN, Mass. — Charter Communications made a donation of $5,000 along with 15 tablets to the Hampden Senior Center Wednesday morning during its annual Easter breakfast.

Senior Center Director Rebecca Moriarty said the grant and tablets will help several of their digital programs, including teaching seniors how to use email as well as connect with loved ones who may live far away.

The goal of the grant program is to provide seniors as well as people in low income housing with access to more affordable internet and digital literacy.

State Sen. Jake Oliveira said internet and broadband access are becoming essential needs in every household so it's important to provide those resources to Western Massachusetts residents.

"Having Spectrum come on in and provide some of the more affordable options for seniors to access, like broadband through the $24.99 a month program," Oliveira said.  "But also while they're here at the senior center to have that access and the $5,000 that Spectrum is investing here in Hampden, but also the tablet program is essential for this community and for the seniors in this area."

Charter Communications owns and operates Spectrum News.