Some of you want to help and others need help. When the pandemic started, they were already well equipped to collect old computers, refurbish them and distribute them to students in Harris County. Here’s how you can helpYou can schedule an appointment to drop off your old computers, laptops and accessories like monitors, keyboards, mice, cables and speakers. They need computers that are not more than five years old. Pastor Hannah Terry says they’ll take whatever old computers and laptops you have, refurbish devices they can and recycle those that can’t be restored.

Reliant Gives and the Deshaun Watson Foundation donated $175,000 dollars to Comp-U-Dopt, an organization that repurposes old devices for students to use for virtual learning. Hundreds of families lined up outside Comp-U-Dopt of Houston and while it helped many families, theres still a long way to go. Comp-U-Dopt teamed up with Reliant Give and the Deshaun Watson Foundation to provide 500 computers to help bridge the digital divide. Its really tough to do virtual learning without a computer and proper technology so weve donated $175,000 between us and the Deshaun Watson Foundation, said Leanne Schneider, the Director of Community Reliant Relations. Volunteers and Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson helped load up cars and pass out devices.

But making the choice of virtual learning can be challenging for some families who dont have access to a computer and internet. She said if they hadnt recieved devices from the school, she doesnt think she could have gotten a laptop for everyone. Its a new era for parents amid the coronavirus pandemic but not all families have access to digital devices and the internet-something thats much needed. I wish I could find word that was more enatic that critical because it is the essential bridge to learning, said Gaby Rowe. A device is now an essential need, a digital connection, thats key to making families and our community stronger.

HOUSTON Houston Independent School District will begin the fall semester with all students learning virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic. Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said the decision came down to concerns parents and teachers expressed in district-wide surveys. Only 14% of teachers, who responded, said they were ready to physically get back to class.With the virtual start for HISD, the states largest district, providing the technology tools to students who needed them will be a challenge. We partnered with HISD and other school districts this summer to get out as many as we can before the start of school, said Executive Director Colin Dempsey. However, transportation will only be provided for particular students at the start.

Hard-working parents like Samantha Miller are desperately trying to get laptop computers for the children. Thanks to Comp-U-Dopt, Miller’s children are getting a free laptop to use at home. How to get a free laptop? If you would like to register to get a free laptop computer for your children, you must log onto the Comp-U-Dopt website at noon daily to register. If you have a used laptop you can donate, you can visit the website for more information.

This week, we take a look at a Houston nonprofit providing technology and education to children with limited access to computers or the internet: Comp-U-Dopt. Jonathan Osha founded Comp-U-Dopt 12 years ago after he realized most businesses throw out their computers less than three years after buying them. Comp-U-Dopt depends on a steady supply of donations to provide its clients with computers and deliver its technology education programs. Donate your money, your used or abused computer equipment or both. As long as the hard drive is intact, Comp-U-Dopt will find a way to make use of your old computer equipment.