Cherry Point hosts computer ‘Give-A-Thon’

Photo By Cpl. Victor A. Arriaga | Sharnee Moody’s son, 12, watches as a volunteer teaches him how to use his new computer May 11 at Millers Landing during the computer “Give-a-Thon.” The computers were awarded to students by Kramden and Lenovo institutions to help students who did not have access to a computer at home.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT , NC, UNITED STATES

05.16.2013

Story by Pfc. Victor A. Arriaga 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Seventy-five school-aged children of personnel stationed at Cherry Point were awarded free computers during the first Kramden/Lenovo-sponsored computer “Give-A-Thon” May 11 at Miller’s Landing.

Each of the 75 students received Lenovo monitors as part of their computer awards. The computers were transported from Durham, N.C., and were distributed to students who did not have access to computers at home.

“These computers are an important first step in getting students the tools they need to not only cross the digital divide, but thrive in school and beyond,” said Michael Abensour, Executive Director of Kramden Institute, Inc.

The donated computers came from Kramden, a Durham-based non-profit organization, whose volunteers refurbished and awarded more than 12,500 computers across 60 counties in North Carolina. Kramden partnered with volunteers from Lenovo and the Marine Corps to distribute the machines and demonstrate to students and parents how to operate the computers and the software on them.

DeAyra Fisher, whose daughter received a computer, said it was hard for her to share the one laptop they had at their home with her daughters because they all had schoolwork to do.

“When she would have to do research or anything like that, we would have to go to the library,” said Fisher. “This makes it a lot more convenient and allows her to be more independent in her studies to be able to get on her own computer and do whatever it is she needs to do for school.”

Fisher’s oldest daughter was nominated to receive the computer by her guidance counselor for making good grades at Havelock Middle School.

“We are absolutely thrilled that MCAS Cherry Point was the chosen installation for this computer giveaway,” said Donna Bagley, School Liaison Officer at the air station. “This will make such a huge difference in these childrens’ lives. Being able to use a computer to do their homework or research can only help them to be more successful in their academic career.”

• Date Taken: 05.16.2013
• Date Posted: 05.16.2013 11:53
• Story ID: 107018
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT , NC, US