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The Computers for Kids, uses old donated computers from businesses, hospitals, schools, and private individuals to fix/repair/piece together by kids and for kids/low income families that would other wise not be able to get a computer. The program has many folds as it gives everyone a central location in the area to turn in their old computers while decreasing the land fill burden. The computers are either stripped of good parts or built up for take home by the individuals in the program. The word individuals is used now because we range from junior high kids to senior citizens. All reusable parts are kept and used while bad are sorted for recycling. The re-built internet ready computers are then taken home by the individuals that are in the program complete with printer. BeginningsStarted several years ago by Jeff Thomas at Lake View Home in the basement with the assistance of Kay Fuller (Director Lake View County Home). It was meant to give kids from low income families a way of getting a computer at home. And with the printing criteria and getting internet access research for school work becoming greater each year, it was viewed by many as a viable solution to fill many needs. Last YearDue to Jeff's failing health, Jerry Cook, Director of Life Gaps (a high risk youth education program) took over with the help of Doug Nelson who now does the instruction end of it. The Life Gaps kids were a tremendous help at the beginning when much organization was needed. With much effort on everyone's part, over 35 computers were rebuilt last year and taken home by participating individuals. Thanks to Sugar Dog (a local ISP) for their high speed internet line contribution, turn around time for getting the updates and upgrades on operating systems and programs has been drastically reduces. CurrentIt has been decided that after the participants have their computer, more needs to be done. So with the help of a local donation of a 24 port hub, we set up a classroom for teaching office application software and the internet, to who ever wants to learn. We are currently seeking monetary donations as the cost of running such a large scale program is hard to maintain with only donated time and computer donations. |
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White County Computer Lab Life Gaps/Computers for Kids Copy write© 2004 |
