Sixty more homes in Sampson County are now equipped with computer technology geared to help local youngsters achieve higher learning in school.

The computers were provided Saturday morning, through a Give-a-Thon at Charles E. Perry Elementary School in Roseboro, the second such event to take place in that community in as many years.

The Give-a-Thon was a joint effort of the Charles E. Perry High School Alumni Association and the non-profit Kramden Institute, which takes donated computers and refurbishes them completely. The goal of the partnership between these two groups was to “level the playing field with children owning their own computers,” a press release states.

Charles E. Perry second-grader Corey West was one of the 60 recipients of a personal computer at the Give-a-Thon. While his father and older brother were being instructed on how to set up and operate the computer, Corey nodded in agreement that he planned to use his computer to do his homework.

His father, Carl West, expressed that it was “great” to be a part of this Give-a-Thon. “It will be a great pleasure for (Corey) to have his own computer at home.”

William Ammons, a Charles E. Perry fourth-grader, said he was “happy” about getting his computer, as well. He plans to use it, he noted, for “homework and trying to make my grades a little bit better.”

Many other students and parents seemed “very happy and very pleased” about receiving computers, according to Dr. Arnett Coleman, a physician from Durham volunteering at the Give-a-Thon. “Kids seem to be responding to this very well,” he expressed. Coleman added that he, too, was happy and pleased about this event that will allow students to “use computers for implementation with school and to supplement what they’re going to be doing.”

Another volunteer, Gwyn Fisher Turman, of the Charles E. Perry Alumni Association, said the Give-a-Thon is a “really really worthwhile event.”

Reflecting on last year’s Give-a-Thon, Turman said her work with the event has been rewarding. “I’m happy when you put this much work into a project and see parents come and get involved.”

Since last year, Turman said the association has received letters from children and parents who were beneficiaries of the computers “expressing that the kids are doing better in school and that they are thrilled and happy.”

Turman believes that computers are invaluable for young people. “The whole idea of using computers is to encourage children as much as you can to continue with education ... and become more knowledgeable on all subject areas.”

Ruth Reid-Coleman, of the public service organization Triangle Park Chapter of The Links, Inc., was happy to lend a helping hand at the Give-a-Thon because she thinks the cause is one of great importance for youth. “It’s important for every child to have access to the internet and to be able to use a computer ... every child needs a computer but not everyone can afford one.” For that reason, Reid-Coleman hopes the Give-a-Thon will continue each year.

Marguerite Peebles, section chief for support services with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, said she was “very impressed” with the Give-a-Thon, and she enjoyed helping the diverse group of students who received the computers. From an educational standpoint, Peebles noted, “The world has changed. Kids have to compete globally and technology is a major emphasis for competition. The knowledge of technology makes students more comfortable competing globally ... This project is to prepare them for high school and hopefully college after that.”

Peebles also mentioned that she was impressed with this project because “it’s a good indication of the home, community and school system working together for the children.”

For more information on the Kramden Institute or how to donate old computers, click on to www.kramden.org. For more information on the Charles E. Perry/Roseboro Consolidated Alumni Association, write to P.O. Box 791, Roseboro, N.C. 28382.

To reach Amy Kelly call 910 -592-8137 ext. 119 or send e-mail to sigov@myclintonnc.com.