Businesses, Faith-Based Group Donates Computers to Seven Oaks Elementary

Some students at a Lexington-Richland School District Five elementary school will soon have access to technology in their homes, thanks to donations from businesses and a faith-based group.

Seven Oaks Elementary School received 25 computers from South Carolina Bank and Trust on Tuesday, Oct. 8 as part of an ongoing effort to provide students with home computers for instructional purposes. The school has also received 25 computers from Ashland United Methodist Church and 25 from Intel for a total of 75 computers donated.

Seven Oaks Elementary Principal Ann Copelan said, “I think all of us know that 21st Century skills are going in the direction of technology. And we certainly know how important technology is in our schools as well as in the workplace. So, we’re hoping to integrate these skills through the use of these computers for students to be able to use and to further develop their skills in technology.”

Deedee Kehl, a SCBT branch manger, added: “It’s certainly the bank’s policy to give back to the community and help schools and students that really have a need. A member of the Ashland United Methodist Church congregation contacted us and told us about Seven Oak’s effort to collect computers for students, and we thought is was an effort we should support.”

Ashland United Methodist Church is just one of the groups that work year-round with District Five schools, offering mentorships and other serves to students and families in need. Church Pastor Mike Bruce said the congregation is proud to play a role in providing technology to students.

“I think they say pride might be a sin, but we’re extremely proud of this. We understand the benefits that this kind of initiative has on the community and on the school,” Bruce said. 

A school survey showed that nearly 20 percent of students at Seven Oaks Elementary School do not have computers in their homes. To receive a donated computer, parents must complete a questionnaire and undergo a screening process by the school, Copelan said. The school hopes to distribute the computers in a week.