Seymour group donates nine computers to Boys and Girls Club
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on June 21, 2005 1:45 PM
The Computer Systems Element Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has donated nine computers to the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County, and the local law firm of Barnes, Braswell and Haithcock has donated two, all valued at more than $18,000.
The gifts will allow club members the chance to do a little exploring and learning, executive director Mary Ann Dudley said. "Through the help of the community we are able to provide the resources to these children to ensure that they are not left behind in education, to ensure they will be successful adults in the future."
Club development director Sarah Wheeler said the students will be able to use the computers to perfect their skills and to do their homework.
The club has opened a new technology center and scheduled a grand opening for July 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the club at 1401 Royall Ave.
Ms. Dudley said the new tech center is one of thousands being established in clubs nationwide with money from the Beaumont Foundation of America. The foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organization that donates equipment to schools and community-based organizations. The foundation is providing $8 million in state-of-the-art Toshiba equipment valued at $25,000 to each technology center.
She said access to technology and the skills to use it are essential to creating "a level educational playing field for our members."
With the installation of the new tech center, the club will also receive programs and $15,000 in Microsoft software, giving members the chance to explore such programs as Stay Safe Online, Netsmartz, Skill Tech I & II, Core Tech, Digital Arts Suite, Youth Net, Cartoon Network, Cavity Zone, etc.
Ms. Dudley said the new center will help the club provide its members with "an opportunity to catch up on the digital divide, as well as provide adults an opportunity to learn computer skills with the adult computer classes we provide. We are very excited about this new program and welcome the community to stop by and see the kinds of things we are providing for the future of our community."