LexJet (Sarasota, FL) has donated computer equipment to the Texcellence Program, a nationally recognized, computer-donation program that will donate its 4,000th, gently used, reconditioned system to Sarasota County students whose families could not otherwise afford this basic technology at home.
LexJet donated 64 Dell 17-in LCD monitors, 18 USB wired keyboards, 25 wireless keyboards, 25 wireless mice and six USB mice.
“The economic downturn has been especially hard on school systems that don’t have the resources to ensure that all the children in their districts have access to the latest technology. We recognized a great way that we could give back to a community that has given so much to LexJet,” said Jason Metnick, LexJet VP.
Texcellence, a collaboration between the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and the public schools, was inspired by a local teacher, Ron Zimmerman, who recycled the used computers in his garage for children in need. More than 3,900 families have received refurbished home computers since Texcellence scaled up Zimmerman’s work and took it countywide in May 2007.
Gently used computers are donated in lots of ten or more from government agencies and companies like Publix Super Markets and LexJet. Qualified students and their families – those eligible for free or reduced price meals that do not already have a computer at home – register for an after-school or weekend session, take a basic computer-training class and receive a refurbished PC. Recipients learn to set up and use the computers, flash drives and educational software that complement what the students use in the classroom.
“LexJet donated really classy flat screen monitors that are much better than what we normally get. The program coordinator, Alina Klein, has worn herself out over the past four years carrying those gigantic desktop monitors to the warehouse for distribution to families in need. LexJet’s donation was a welcome change for her and an important upgrade for the families that receive them,” said Laura Breeze, CFRE, advancement director for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
For more information and to get involved, go to www.edfoundation.net or call (941) 927-0965. Just $250 allows Texcellence to refurbish one computer, then offer training and support to a student and family in need.