(WXYZ) — Imagine trying to do your job at home right now without a computer. For most, it would be impossible.
It's the same for thousands of Detroit kids whose families are struggling to keep food on the table, let alone trying to buy a new computer for homeschooling.
For 8-year-old Dane Cunningham, whose heading into third grade, doing school work from a cell phone is challenging.
But thanks to the non-profit Focus Detroit, Shanna Nagele will be getting a refurbished computer to take home. She and her three kids are one of 67 families being offered a computer at an affordable price due to a partnership with I- budget PCS.
"They help find affordable computer lightly used refurbish them for us," Michael Ansara, the chairman of the board for Focus Detroit, said.
Focus Detroit decided to launch a computer donations program when they tried to offer virtual music lessons Only 3 kids were able to sign up due to a lack of online access.
The computers, complete with internet, provided by DTE allow a child to remain connected to their teacher and classmates.
"That human interaction, that community interaction, that connection to other children, to the teacher, to learning and the excitement that gets built when you’re in that sense of community," Ann Randall said. She's a board member for Focus Detroit.
According to census data, 47% of Detroit kids live in poverty. With this pandemic the gap just widened even more, so parents are overjoyed.
And while the Detroit Public Community School District just announced it has $23 million to buy 50,000 computers, that will take a while to implement.
If you want to volunteer, provide financial support, or donate lightly used computers please go to focusdetroit.org.
And as always with Rebound Detroit we will continue to shine the light on people who are making a difference in our communities.
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