[Press Release] : Homes For Computers Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2006

CONTACT: Voluntary Action Center
(573) 874-2273

Homes For Computers
Program									
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - The city of Columbia, through the Voluntary
Action Center (VAC) and the Downtown Optimist Club will give away
surplus (used) computers and peripheral equipment (monitors, keyboards,
mouse pointers, etc.) to eligible VAC clients as part of the "Homes
For Computers" Program. Approximately 35-40 computers will be given
away by drawing to clients who are enrolled in VAC programs or
programs/services administered by VAC.
	Applications are available at the VAC office located at 800 N.
Providence, Suite 220, and must be completed, handed in at the VAC
office and date/time stamped during the Feb. 6 - March 6 open
application period. If there are more applications received than
available computers, a drawing will be held March 7 at 10 a.m. at the
VAC office. Only current VAC clients who have a child in grades K-12,
and who do not have a computer in the home, are eligible for this round
of drawings. 
	Winning clients will be notified no later than March 14. The
introductory computer course(s) and pick up date(s) will be scheduled
during the latter part of March at the Downtown Optimist Club. The award
letter will notify awardees of their scheduled date and time. Computers
that are not picked up by the awardee at the scheduled date and time,
unless agreed to in writing through the VAC, will be awarded to other
applicants through another drawing.   
	The "Homes For Computers" Program was approved by the City
Council December 2003. Previously, the city had contracted with the
University of Missouri - Surplus Property Division to dispose of its
surplus computer equipment through a monthly auction held at the
university's surplus property warehouse and was receiving only minimal
revenue. Donation of these computers to residents of the city of
Columbia  with disabilities, families with at-risk students and
economically disadvantaged persons was determined to be a higher and
better use for these surplus computers. 

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