Megan Jones, 15, never had a home computer to chat with friends, do homework or surf the Internet.
But that changed in April when Megan?s grandmother, Laura Cheney, of Westminster, spotted a sign advertising the Carroll Technology Council?s CompuKids program, which donates computers to families.
To prepare donated computers for 35 families who applied for them, the tech council needs volunteers Saturday, said Lynn Karr, council director.
Techies can install an operating system, Microsoft Office suite and anti-virus software, while volunteers who aren?t computer savvy can wipe the computers clean, she said.
Families who receive free computers are eligible for one year of free Internet through Carroll County Public Library and a computer class at Carroll Community College.
Instead of letting computers pile up in landfills, Karr said, the best use of a used computer is re-use.
“In today?s technologically competitive world, kids need access to computers and the Internet to keep pace with their peers,” she said.
For Megan who is an aspiring artist, her computer allows her to search online to learn more about drawing cartoons.
“I?ve learned more from the computer than I have from school,” said her 17-year-old sister, Kaytlin Jones, who most recently researched the beat generation.
“I?m reading ?On the Road? [by Jack Kerouac], and I wouldn?t have ever read that if I hadn?t looked it up.”
And now the two granddaughters are teaching their grandmother how to use the computer.
Volunteer to prepare computers for families
What: CompuKids WorkDay
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Carroll Technology Center, 255 Clifton Blvd., Westminster. For more information, call Lynn Karr at 443-244-1262
