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Computers get new lives for kids Nonprofit uses old parts to build free student machines By AMBER FOSSEN Ashland Daily Tidings One man's junked computer could still serve a purpose. Computers 2 kids, a non-profit created in 1997 and incorporated in January, is proving that old PC's still have some life left. Collecting and refurbishing computers, the company is focused on providing students with free computers to meet educational requirements and goals. Jodi Yap, C2k's co-founder along with her husband Jerry, said the company was created after talking to a special education teacher and family friend. Yap said her friend was having difficulty meeting the needs of one of her students who was dyslexic and physically impaired, leaving him unable to write and grade levels below his peers. Creating a computer to fit the young student's needs, Yap knew others could benefit from the advances of technology. "We addressed that need and it was amazing to watch that young man turn from very much a recluse to an outgoing young man," Yap said. The company has grown each year - more than 500 computers have been refurbished since May 1, and the company is still hopping, according to Yap. C2k now has its sights set on aiding Talent Middle School, where 30 computers are needed to help the school meet No Child Left Behind's benchmark assessments. According to TMS Principal Patti Kinney, middle school officials were in the process of trying to figure out how to secure more funds for computers when Yap contacted the school. "Our testing for reading and math is all done online and we want a computer lab set aside when its time for their testing so that they don't tie up any of the other computers at the school," Kinney said, later adding, "We were looking at a variety of ways we could do it that we could afford." C2k has 20 computers secured, but more are needed Yap said. All donated computers are tax deductible and free to students in need. "I can't emphasis the importance of seeing a child's face when they see a computer and know its probably one of the most important tools for them to start out with," she said. The company received more than 700 outdated or discarded computer systems this year - 120 came in August after the end of fiscal year. A volunteer team of approximately 25 works to refurbish the computers, which must be PCs. Volunteers then assess the computers to find out if they'll be used as a whole or in parts. Yap said in addition to refurbishing the computers C2k volunteers maintain the equipment as needed, which allows them to gain much needed experience. "We do a lot of internships at the high schools," she said. "It's a great way for people to get the experience they need." In addition to assisting TMS, C2k wired Grace Lutheran School in Ashland for a computer system Wednesday that will allow teachers to have a computer in each class. Director Linda Natalie-Olson said it was a long-awaited upgrade. "The teachers and the school office have been sharing a computer for years," Natalie-Olson said, noting the school is now 16 years old. For more information call Yap at 535-3105 or e-mail [email protected] . LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -