Computers 2 Kids, San Diego receives $250,000 donation from Cox Communications to help connect low-income families to technology

Donation comes as more students are in need of computers and internet for distance learning amid COVID-19 pandemic

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – May 26, 2020 – Cox Communications has awarded $250,000 to Computers 2 Kids, San Diego to help the nonprofit refurbish and distribute 20,000 devices this year to low-income students and families. Computers 2 Kids, San Diego, which offers low-cost refurbished computers, laptops and tablets for families in need, has received more than 9,200 technology requests since March as the COVID-19 pandemic has moved employees and students to work and learn from home. ​

The donation includes $220,000 in cash and more than $30,000 of television airtime for public service announcements (PSAs) to run on a variety of cable networks on Cox’s channel lineup.
 
“We’ve seen an even greater demand for devices since businesses and schools closed due to the stay-at-home order and everyone needing to be connected,” said Cheri Pierre, CEO of Computers 2 Kids, San Diego. “This $250,000 donation from Cox couldn’t have come at a better time so that we can meet the demand and reach more families through PSAs. Cox has been a great partner of ours in bridging the digital divide, and we’re thrilled they selected us for this donation.”
 
“Computers2Kids, San Diego does a tremendous job getting low-income households connected, and they’ve been a critical part of our Connect2Comptete program, which is bridging the digital divide by bringing computers and internet access to K-12 students that don’t have technology at home,” said Sam Attisha, Senior Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Communications. “We want all students in San Diego County to finish this school year strong and be ready for the next one as some schools are on a year-round schedule. This donation will help ensure all students are connected.”
 
Computers 2 Kids, San Diego refurbishes desktops, laptops, and tablets donated by the public and companies such as Cox when they’re upgrading their computers. The devices receive a complete sanitation and are prepped with a Microsoft Windows operating system, Microsoft Office software, and various educational programs that focus on math and logic, language arts, science, social studies, art and computer programming and basics, and life skills. They can then be purchased by families for as low as $80, which includes one year of free technical support.
 
Families in need of a computer can visit www.c2sdk.org to see if they qualify.
 
To help families fully integrate their devices online, Cox offers low-cost, high-speed internet service for qualifying K-12 families for $9.95 a month through its Connect2Compete program. As part of its’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox has been offering free months of internet through July 15 for new participants to Connect2Compete who signed up between March 13 and May 15. For information about Connect2Compete, families can visit cox.com/c2c.
 
Cox piloted the now national Connect2Compete program in San Diego in 2012 with local schools and organizations, including Computers 2 Kids, San Diego. Connect2Compete includes in-home wifi, free installation and access to the online Cox Digital Academy.


About Computers 2 Kids, San Diego
Since 2004, Computers 2 Kids, San Diego (C2K) has impacted more than 435,000 children and their families in San Diego. With the support of technology donations, the organization refurbishes computer systems and loads them with up-to-date operating systems, software and educational programs, and provides them to underprivileged families around San Diego County. Above all, C2K believes all children and their families, regardless of their economic status, need to be computer literate and have equal access to technology. Additionally, C2K also provides education, training and technical support to help students achieve success. Connect with C2K on Facebook, Twitter and at www.c2sdk.org.
 
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.