According to SDCOE, 1 in 4 students started at-home learning without access to a computer

San Diego CA— The nonprofit Computers 2 Kids in San Diego (C2K) urges individuals throughout the region and businesses of any size to donate computers, laptops, and tablets they no longer use so they can be refurbished for low-income families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and who are experiencing the challenges of distance learning right now. The nonprofit has already fulfilled more than 19,000 requests this year, but many more requests are coming in from K-12 families, as well as college students, and C2K needs to restock its shelves which are currently at only 50 percent capacity. Learn more at www.c2ksd.org/meettheneed.
The “Meet the Need” Computer Drive, hosted by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cox Communications, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), and San Diego Councilmember Chris Cate, District 6, runs through Oct. 31.
C2K makes the donation process easy; donations can be dropped off at their Miramar warehouse, 8324 Miramar Mall, San Diego, CA 92121, or pick-ups can be arranged for bulk donations. All donations are tax-deductible. If devices are not ready for donation now, individuals and businesses can pledge a future donation.

• According to the SDCOE, 1 in 4 students started at-home learning without access to a computer and 50% of low-income families still have no access to a computer or internet at home.
• There is currently a shortage in the technology supply chain for new computers because of the COVID pandemic. Schools need help, as not all schools can obtain devices for students – C2K is that link to help school districts in the interim. Families are also turning to C2K to obtain the laptops and tablets they need so each child in the home can keep up with their classroom.
• In addition to supporting families and school districts, C2K’s refurbished devices are also provided to nonprofit programs like NextUp at Cuyamaca College to assist current and former foster youth, and the San Diego City Public Library’s “Outdoor Cyber Zone” where the public can check out a laptop and stay onsite to use it with wireless internet access.
• C2K and Cox Communications partner to bring low-cost computers and internet access to K-12 families in need through Cox’s Connect2Compete program to bridge the digital divide. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox is providing two free months of internet service to qualifying families that sign up for Connect2Compete through Dec. 31. C2K is the computer distribution partner.

For more information visit- www.c2ksd.org/meettheneed.