Free Computers Available at SIUE’s East St. Louis Learning Resource Center
Free personal computers for those who qualify will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Learning Resource Center, located at 601 James R. Thompson Blvd.
The LRC is partnering with PCs for People to bring affordable technology to the community, according to Sarah Kirkpatrick, director of the LRC and Campus Engagement.
“PCs for People receives computer donations and then refurbishes and updates them for distribution,” explained Kirkpatrick. “They will have a wide variety of available laptops and desktop computers.”
“The event will provide computer and internet access to families who will be able to connect to online resources from their homes,” she added. “The idea was brought to me by Dr. Connie Frey Spurlock (interim director of SIU System Office of Community Engagement and SIUE associate professor of sociology). Connie set up the meeting with CeAira Sargent, the director of the Greater St. Louis PCs for People.”
Pre-registration is required but a limited quantity will be available for those who have not registered.
Interested participants can register at pcsrefurbished.com/event/registration.
Eligibility requirements include Illinois residents who are currently enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program, or customers whose household income is less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
“The LRC is a resource and community center for the surrounding area, and access to computers and internet is a vital resource in this day and age,” said Kirkpatrick. “It’s how people can apply for jobs and services as well as stay connected to one another. PCs for People is a fantastic organization, and the LRC is glad to be able to support their efforts by serving as a distribution site.”
Photo:
Sarah Kirkpatrick, director of the SIUE East St. Louis Learning Resource Center and Campus Engagement.
