A Holiday Gift for Our Schools!

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This morning, I had the pleasure of dropping off the first round of computers being donated to all of the schools in the 4th district, just before they closed for Christmas and New Year's.  Thanks to Bootup Baltimore, each of the following schools will be receiving a newly-reconditioned PC system with a 19" or 20" flat-panel monitor: Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle, Guilford Elementary/Middle, Tunbridge Public Charter, Govans Elementary, Baltimore IT Academy, Leith Walk Elementary, and Yorkwood Elementary.

Bootup Baltimore is a computer volunteering organization affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University, under the auspices of the school's Center for Social Concern. They work in tandem with Baltimore public schools, providing free computers and computer instruction to students in need. Their members volunteer their time and expertise to repair recycled computers and train students in word processing, graphics design, hardware maintenance, web development, and other useful and marketable computer skills.

A special shout-out goes to Tom Smith, a senior at Hopkins and president of the organization.  While most of the group's members had already left town for the holidays, Tom took time away from his family - and his birthday! - to put together the seven systems and help load them into my van in time to get most of them delivered before schools closed this morning for winter break.  (The systems for Baltimore IT and Guilford Elementary/Middle will be delivered when schools re-open on January 3rd.)

Not only does Bootup Baltimore recondition the computers before

providing them to schools at no charge, but the organization also provides servicing for the computers going forward.  Based on the reaction of the principals I spoke with this morning,

I think that today marks the beginning of a beautiful partnership...

Have a happy holiday season and stay safe in the New Year!