Random acts of kindness new focus for foundation honoring Springdale alum Jorden Puskar

A foundation honoring a former Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School student who was shot and killed in 2022 is retooling itself to promote random acts of kindness.

The Flashlight Foundation — named in honor of Jorden Lee Puskar, a 2019 Springdale graduate — was established three years ago to help raise awareness about gun violence and raise funds for families who have fallen victim to gun violence. It started July 22, 2022 — Jorden’s birthday. By October of its first year, the foundation had met its goal of raising $10,000 through donations.

In two years, it raised about $1,000 for each of a dozen families, said Jorden’s grandmother, Donna Hyatt of Moon.

“Jorden was so full of kindness,” Hyatt said. “At 21, he had 1,000 people attend his funeral. He was so giving and kind.”

“Flashlight” was a nickname Jorden had since he was a toddler, Hyatt said.

“It really was appropriate for him because he was a light in so many lives,” Hyatt said. “I just want to make sure his light continues to shine.”

Ensuring Puskar’s life is remembered through acts of generosity and service, the foundation recently raised $1,000 through a Buy a Beanie fundraiser to support the Lower Valley Food Bank.

“Jorden’s warmth and compassion inspired us to create a foundation dedicated to lifting others up,” said his mother, Nicole Davies, who is president of the Flashlight Foundation. “Through initiatives like Buy a Beanie, we are not only keeping his memory alive but also making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Over the past year, Hyatt said, Jorden’s family took a step back to heal from their own grief. Helping others during their time of grief made them realize how close their own pain still was, she said.

One of the foundation’s early missions was working with officials to address delays in state financial support, Hyatt said. Through their efforts, families receive the assistance they need much faster. Now, the family looks to move forward and focus on helping those who are less fortunate through acts of kindness.

In addition to the food bank donation, the foundation recently delivered gift bags to residents of the Springdale Manor high-rise and has sponsored various programs through the school district, where Jordan was a third-generation Dynamo.

“We realized that his greatest support system was there in Springdale,” Hyatt said. “(Davies) wanted to give back to the community that he was a part of and that he loved so much. That became a driving force for her.

“We want to continue to support the Springdale area — whatever it takes.”

She encouraged people to follow the Flashlight Foundation through its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, and its website, flashlightfoundation.com, to learn more about their work and how to participate.