3rd annual drive to collect laptops for foster youth

ANCHORAGE — For the third year, Rep. Les Gara and Facing Foster Care In Alaska are leading a Laptops for Foster Youth Holiday Drive.

Over the past two years this drive has resulted in about 200 matches for youth.

“Laptops are crucial to helping youth improve their chances of success in school and establishing normalcy in very disrupted lives of youth who often have very few material possessions,” said Gara, a former foster youth whose father was killed when he was 6.

While many of us are spending time with our families, celebrating traditions and enjoying the festivities, foster youth are faced with the bitter reminder that they are separated from their families during the holidays. Foster youth are highly mobile, some changing placements dozens of times while in care and often in the middle of the school term. As difficult as transitions are, having a laptop that can travel with them helps with school stability and helps youth stay in contact with relatives and friends to create some level of stability.

“My laptop has helped immensely during my first semester of college. I use it to complete schoolwork and to stay in touch with my family and friends. I would have really struggled without a laptop,” said Sarah Redmon about the laptop she received through the program.

If you have a laptop that is not more than four years old, has word processing software, Internet capable and works well, contact (907) 269-0106.

There are also other ways to help if you have time, but no computer to donate.

For more information about mentoring a youth leaving foster care, call Facing Foster Care In Alaska Statewide Coordinator Amanda Metivier at (907) 230-8237.

For more information about becoming a foster parent, call the Office of Children’s Services at (800) 478-7307.