Alaskans give laptops for youth in foster care

MAT-SU - Alaskans donated about 30 late-model used and new laptops during the second annual Holiday Laptop Drive, sponsored by the advocacy group Facing Foster Care in Alaska.

Rep. Les Gara said since the program began it has gathered more than 100 laptops to give to foster care youth in Alaska, but more are needed. Donations are welcome year-round, he said.

Gara said there are about 1,700 foster youth in Alaska, and of those, about 500 are 13 or older - the age when a laptop starts to become important for school and socializing.

Providence Hospital and the Carr Family Foundation combined to help more than 30 youth who needed laptops this year.

For more information or to donate a laptop or funds to the program, call (907) 269-0106, or email Amanda Metivier at facing_fostercare@yahoo.com.