AT&T donates $2,500 for club program Computers4Students
By From staff reports
Published in News on June 22, 2015 1:46 PM
AT&T has made a $2,500 contribution to the Optimist Club of Goldsboro for its Computers4Students of Wayne County program.
The donation will mean that Wayne County students will have access to a computer when classes resume for the next school year, club officials said.
John Lyon, AT&T regional director for external affairs, was joined by state Rep. John Bell, R-Goldsboro, and Goldsboro Mayor Al King in delivering the donation.
Established in 2012, the Optimist Club's Computers4Students of Wayne County program refurbishes donated computers, which are made available to low-income families.
Since its inception, the program has provided computers to 153 families, benefiting 299 students in Wayne County. While many recipient families are able to contribute $40-$80 to help defray the cost of the program, some families cannot, club officials said.
The AT&T contribution will provide funds to cover the cost for those families.
"Computers are part of nearly every aspect of our lives today," Bell said. "While it is important for everyone to know how to operate them -- and to not be afraid of them -- that is especially important for students. Especially for families in difficult financial situations, access to a computer can be the key to breaking out of a cycle of frustration and despair.
"I am so proud of the members of the Optimist Club of Goldsboro and the commitment they have for helping families and young people in our community. Now that I have become aware of this program and the benefits it provides to our Goldsboro and Wayne County area students, I plan to personally donate used computers from my home and business to support this very wonderful cause and I would encourage others to consider doing the same."
King called the program a "hidden gem right here in the heart of Goldsboro."
"Students without computers find themselves at a disadvantage in preparing their schoolwork, and this program will allow these students to compete on an equal basis as they prepare themselves for whatever lies ahead in their lives," he said. "This Optimist Club program is truly a treasure that is having a significant positive impact on our community."
The Optimist organization is dedicated to bringing out the best in children, club president Raymond Clark said.
"In today's society, and economy, that just isn't going to happen if a child doesn't have a computer at home for their schoolwork," he said. "We appreciate the encouragement and support of Rep. Bell and Mayor King as we work to help these children to succeed."
Lyon said AT&T has a long history of supporting programs that make a difference for communities and families.
"At AT&T, we strongly believe that education is the key to future success," he said. "While technology and the services we offer is part of that commitment, so is helping to build communities through initiatives which make a lasting difference in peoples' lives.
"We are pleased to support the work of the Optimist Club in getting computers into the hands of young people."
For more information on how you and/or your business can become involved in the Optimist Computers4Students of Wayne County program contact Charlie Wood at 919-288-2567 or via email at information@GoldsboroOptimist.org.