Girl Scouts help 'PCs For People' distribute low-cost computers

The nonprofit PCs For People was founded in 1998 to help get low-cost computers into more homes, and now it is coming to Randolph County.

Two events will be held:

• Steeleville Village Hall, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 27

• Coulterville Clinic, 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 10

The agency has set up regional headquarters in Belleville and is working with local nonprofits to connect with the community. As a longtime champion of digital literacy for all, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois staff are helping distribute 5,000 computers to people who need them. In addition to PCs for People and Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois are partnering for the project.

The PCs for People deal is $40 for a computer with a Windows 10 system, a 17- to 20-inch monitor, keyboard, power cords and a wireless USB adapter. Wireless internet hot spots also are available for $16 month and a one-time device purchase of $40.

People qualify to get a computer if their income is at 200% of the poverty level or less or they receive government assistance. To determine if you are eligible, visit pcsforpeople.org/eligibility.

For the easiest pickup process, preorder computers at tinyurl.com/pcsforpeopleil. PCs for People will then email an appointment time and address.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves approximately 9,000 girls and engages 3,500 adult volunteers in 40 counties in Southern Illinois.