Many of us take our personal computers for granted. As adults we're often influenced by trends, conclusively embracing the new, forgetting what life was like before.
Computers aid many of our daily doings -- influencing how we communicate, research, prepare and share information. Without them, it would be harder to navigate the modern world.
For many school-aged foster children, though, that is their reality. Some 50 percent of kids who grow up in foster care lack computer access, according to national statistics. In Alaska there are approximately 1,200 children a month in foster care in any given month. To some, a childhood without computers may not seem like much of a loss, but State Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage), a former foster child, believes such a deprivation can have huge social and academic impacts.
This week Gara and members of the volunteer organization Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) kick off their third annual campaign to help provide Alaska foster children with usable technology. In the past, FFCA and Gara have been able to collect and distribute 125 computers, but he believes Alaska can do better. The organization is asking residents to consider donating gently used (or new) computers to the cause. Units less than 4 years old and in good working order will be accepted. Financial donations work, too.
For further information about the program or how you can help contact Gara's office at 269-0106.