United Way, Bank Of Oklahoma Donate Equipment To Help Students Learning Virtually

Tuesday, local non-profits donated tech accessories and computer equipment to help students who are learning from home.

They gave computer equipment to the YMCA where students can use the learning center. 

“We made this shift from a paper and a pencil in a school environment to a home environment, and there is just a lot of unknowns as far as what it would take as far as support whether that be equipment," said Kyle Wilkes.

Wilkes works at the Tandy YMCA and said the donated equipment allows parents to go back to work and know their children are still learning.

“Several kids in one classroom and when you have multiple devices going at the same time--different Zoom calls and different videos--it’s really hard to stay focused on your work," said Krista Hemme.

Hemme said in just two weeks the Tulsa Area United Way and the Bank of Oklahoma collected $5,000 worth of tech gadgets for students. 

“You think about headphones and lap desks and things that kids need, and we just take for granted," said Macy Johnson with the Bank of Oklahoma. 

Hemme said they were able to purchase even more computer equipment thanks to a grant from the Zarrow Family Foundation. 

“The opportunity for kids to be able to grow through this hardware that they need just brings a great warm feeling to our hearts and keeps our hearts full. There is work to be done, but we’re taking great strides," said Wilkes.