Kiwanis donates $50K for computer lab

DOWNEY - The Downey Kiwanis Foundation continued its annual charitable tradition of donating a new computer lab to a Downey Unified School District school when it presented West Middle School with a $50,000 grant for a new computer lab on Dec. 18.The grant will help upgrade the school's main computer lab with new computers, scanners, printers and school-wide technology systems. The Downey Kiwanis Foundation regularly supports educational programs that enhance students' skills with modern technology. "These students have the desire to learn and succeed in life, and sometimes all they need is the technology to make it happen," said Councilman Fernando Vasquez, a Kiwanis board member. "In an era where communication travels quickly and technology changes instantly, students need access to computers. This state of the art computer lab will ensure that students at West Middle School have access to a world of knowledge." "We sincerely appreciate the Downey Kiwanis Foundation's generosity and support toward our students and school technology. The equipment directly improves our technology classes and also supports our computer-based math and English-Language Arts programs that benefit all of our students", said Craig Bertsch, principal at West Middle School. "It's a blessing to have organizations like the Downey Kiwanis Foundation continuing to care for our students' needs." Kiwanis is one of the oldest service organizations in Downey, operating since 1925. It is made up of volunteers dedicated to helping children, and help sponsor a monthly barbecue for patients at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center; the Rancho Los Amigos Carnival for patients and their families; scholarships for Downey high school students; La Casita Rehabilitation Center; Arc of Southeast Los Angeles County; fund computer labs for DUSD schools, and, in conjunction with The Downey Patriot, honors local youth with the Downey Youth Service Award. Residents interested in joining Downey Kiwanis Club are invited to attend a free lunch meeting. Meetings are held every Thursday at noon and the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Rio Hondo Event Center. For more information, contact Fernando Vasquez at fvasquez562@gmail.com or (562) 261-7601.

********** Published: December 30, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 37