C4K gives computers away to needy kids

Like the children it was formed to serve, Computers for Kids is growing.

The C4K http://www.computer4kids.us program has grown from tight quarters in the back of founder Michael Erickson’s barbershop to its own storefront just down the block on South 29th Street. The new location continues to be remodeled and expanded to meet the program’s needs, which range from housing its own computer servers to space for rebuilding the computers the organization gives away.

By BECKY SHAY
Of The Gazette Staff

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/11/30/build/local/30-c4k.inc

C4K also has evolved to include partnerships with local schools and universities and a variety of nonprofit organizations.

The growth does not mean, however, that C4K has left its original mission of providing computers to youths who don’t have them and whose families could not afford to buy them.

"Eighty percent of what we do is still for kids ages about 6 to 12 or 13. That’s our target group," Erickson said.

In addition to the stream of donated computer equipment from individuals, C4K has developed partnerships with several area businesses and organizations, including St. Vincent’s Healthcare and Montana State University-Billings. This winter the program will partner with the College of Technology to offer a winter computer camp, "Computers, Kids and More," and it is forging ahead on an internship program for Rocky Mountain College Students.

While C4K will provide hundreds of computers this Christmas season to kids whose families otherwise could not afford one, it has also provided equipment assistance to nonprofit programs ranging ZooMontana to the Community Enhancement and Daycare Center and Big Sky Elementary. Erickson said the partnerships keep with C4K’s mission statement to help children while providing new opportunities for the organization and its recipients.

"The scope of C4K has taken on a new little twist," he said.

People who volunteer their time and talent, in addition to those who give equipment and money, has always been the base of C4K, which was formed in 2002.

Fund-raising continues to play an important role in keeping the program running. C4K has nonprofit status from the IRS so all gifts are tax deductible. A few small grants and corporate donations have helped keep the organization afloat, including joining the United Way this year, but help is always needed.

Although large donations are appreciated, every little bit helps, Erickson said. That means gifts do not have to be large. Imagine if everyone in the Greater Yellowstone Valley was able to help just a little, C4K would have a boon, Erickson said.

"If you want to help, just send a dollar," he said, because the lowest common denominator can add up to a lot of donations.

Erickson is available to give presentations on Computers for Kids to civic groups and other organizations. For more information call C4K at 406-294-5437 (294-KIDS) or Erickson at Mustang Barbershop, 896-0584; stop by the C4K office at 10 S. 29th St. No. 12, or e-mail from the link on the organization’s Web site, http://www.computer4kids.us.

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