Ortonville- Advances in technology make updating computers a routine for some. Now, those who are updating can give children what may be their first chance at owning a computer.
Fred and Sue Howard are seeking donated computers and parts to refurbish for the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund to benefit low-income families with children.
‘This will give them a chance to get familiar with computers, do homework and play games,? said Fred Howard.
Besides computers, Howard will accept everything that goes with them, including cords, computer programs, games, monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, and mice.
Howard, 75, is retired. He previously taught for six years at Michigan Computer Institute and two years ago was part of a program to rebuild computers for the senior center. In that program, Howard helped give away 86 computers to senior citizens and later gave several to needy families.
Sue Howard, OCEF president, recalls one mother crying when they gave her a computer.
‘She just didn’t think her kids would ever have a computer and she was so happy to give them one,? Sue Howard says. ‘Everyone has computers and these kids feel so left out and the tears just come. They are so glad to have a computer because everyone has one these days, but computers aren’t first on the list when families are trying to meet other expenses.?
The Howards have given away two refurbished computers so far with the new program, one internet-compatible and one not. Sue Howard says many families prefer games only. The Howards are hoping to get enough computers to keep OCEF supplied.
Fred Howard is asking that donated computers be Windows 98 or better. He will make sure they are in good working order, clean them, defragment them and make sure the previous owner’s programs are taken off and then load them with games.
Donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call (248) 627-3111.