Cox Program Plugs Children Into Free Computers

Cox Communications will give away 40 free, refurbished home computers Saturday as part of its "Cox Connects Kids" program.

To be eligible to receive a free computer, families had to provide proof of participation in the free/reduced lunch program at their respective schools. Students chosen to receive a computer will be given the opportunity to apply for free Cox High Speed Internet service.

The computers will be given out at South High School at 9 a.m. South High students in technology classes format the computers and prepare them for distribution.

Last fall, Cox began offering free Cox High Speed Internet service and free cable modems to eligible families in the Omaha metro area as part of the "Cox Connects Kids" program, which started in 2001. The program accepts used computers - Pentium III or higher desktop models in working condition. Computers are given out once a quarter.

Cox Connects Kids is a community, business and educational partnership formed in 2001. With help from Omaha Public Schools administrators and students from South High School, the Cox Connects Kids program has donated more than 1,200 refurbished computers to eligible children and their families in the metro area.