TeamChildren and State Senator Shirley Kitchens Announce a New Kind of Stimulus: Computers for Schools in Need

Business Wire, Feb 12, 2009

PHILADELPHIA -- TeamChildren:

Refurbished Computers to Be Delivered Feb. 13 at Two Locations:

11:30 AM; St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, 2300 West Lehigh Ave., 19132; 215-223-6872

1 PM; St. Rose of Lima, 1522 N Wanamaker St., 19131; 215-473-6030

TeamChildren will be distributing 8 desk top refurbished computers to St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church and 10 refurbished laptops to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School.

Imagine the face of the teachers, staff and children at these two schools as we unload and deliver these much needed computers. TeamChildren received a grant of $1,600 from the friends of St. Martin de Porres to pay for these 8 desktop computers.

A number of friends of TeamChildren donated $2,500 to fund 10 laptops for St. Rose of Lima.

The gap between those who have access to toady's technology for use in the safety and comfort of their homes and those that do not is closing in our region. TeamChildren volunteers have distributed over 8,000 low cost refurbished computers to families, schools, and organizations throughout our region, reaching more than 30,000 children.

These children are now able to complete homework assignments, do research on the internet, look for colleges and scholarships, find jobs, and even stay in touch with their friends in the comfort and safety of their homes. Many of the children who benefited from this program are now in college.

TeamChildren has received grants to help other schools in Philadelphia: St. Raymond Catholic School in Philadelphia, Blair Christian Academy in Philadelphia, families in the Phoenixville and Coatesville school districts. We also received a grant from the Cumberland County Redevelopment Authority to give 30 laptops to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School in Millville, New Jersey. These are just a few of their recent accomplishments.

"There currently exists a gap between people who enjoy the benefits of technology and those whose lives could be significantly improved by it. In most cases, lack of access to existing and new technologies prevents these individuals from truly taking advantage of computers and the Internet. While this is painstakingly clear in developing countries, there is evidence that the digital divide exists even within North America. Regardless of the reasons for this gap, there is a moral imperative to ensure that everyone has equal access to information technology," says Digital Divide Network.

It doesn't have to happen. Computer technology is changing rapidly. Every day a glut of older, slower computers is discarded. Not because they don't work, but because they are not fancy enough or equipped with enough bells and whistles. And that's where TeamChildren comes in.

"Over 3,000 individuals, business and school districts have contributed computer equipment to these efforts. Sanofi-Aventis, Genex Services, Synthes, IKEA, IBM, are a few of our major business contributors of equipment. School districts like Great Valley, Springfield, Kennett Consolidated, Methatcon, Upper Merion, Colonial The Shipley School and Villanova are a few of the school districts and colleges that have contributed equipment," says Robert Toporek, founder of TeamChildren. "The list goes on and on. We could never have imagined this level of support from so many wonderful and caring neighbors."