City announces fifth annual Homes for Computers Program

Clients of the Voluntary Action Center who need a home computer can sign up for a chance to win a used computer from the city.

The cooperative Homes for Computers Program, which also involves the Downtown Optimist Club, is in its sixth year. The city this year plans to give away 30 computers to people enrolled in VAC programs. The deadline for applications is Feb. 8.

To be eligible, applicants must be a current VAC client with a least one child enrolled in Columbia Public Schools and with no computer at home.

Winners will be notified by Feb. 13, and the Downtown Optimist Club will distribute the computers from 9 to 11 a.m. on Feb. 16.

Homes for Computers was initiated by Assistant City Manager Tony St. Romaine and was approved by the City Council in 2003. Since the program’s start, 158 computers have been donated to the community.