Nonprofit works to keep communities connected through computer giveaway

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — A company from Texas is right here in West Tennessee helping eight counties stay connected with a giveaway.

The Tennessee Career Center in Huntingdon hosted a nonprofit event Thursday afternoon.

The computer giveaway was led by Houston, Texas based company Compudopt.

Compudopt is a national nonprofit that provides access to technology and education to under-resourced youth and their communities.

“We are here as a part of a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and we’ll be here for two years delivering almost 1,800 computers into this area,” said Marie Arcos, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Compudot.

To qualify for the giveaway, a family must have at least one child in K-12, and must not already own a computer.

The giveaway was for residents of Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Henry, Gibson, Obion and Weakley counties.

The grant not only covers the computer, but also covers two years of tech support to assist with any problems that may arise with the computer.

“We know that almost thirty percent of families don’t have a device or don’t have connectivity, and we want to make sure that with the resources we have, we’re getting into homes to give them that opportunity,” Arcos said.

There is no fee, and residents must simply live in one of the eight counties covered by the grant.

Across the country, Compudopt is making an impact in 54 cities across 27 states.

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