NEWSLETTERS - New Video Rent-to-own industry donates 28 computers to St. Louis schools

New Video: Rent-to-own industry donates 28 computers to St. Louis schools

Congressman William Lacy Clay Friday, joined national, state and local rent-to own industry representatives in launching the "Computers for Kidz" program -- an initiative to help bridge the digital divide in urban areas. (Watch the video)

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On behalf of four area charter schools, Rep. Clay accepted a total of 28 computers at an afternoon press conference at the Imagine Middle High College Preparatory School on North Jefferson Avenue in downtown St. Louis.

"It heartens me to be in partnership with APRO in a program like this that we know will have a positive effect on the young people in the St. Louis community," Clay said. "It shows me they care about the communities they serve and the plight of our young people and their future."

The "Computers for Kidz" Program is a collaborative effort of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association, National Rent-To-Own, Rent-n-Roll of St. Louis, Rent-A-Center, Aaron's and the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO).

As part of the educational partnership forged between the rent-to-own industry and Rep. Clay, participating rent-to-own companies delivered a total of 20 new Compaq Presario desktop and laptop computers to each of four area charter schools, including Imagine Middle High School.

In addition to the five computers donated to each school, two more computers will also go to each campus as prizes for an essay contest announced by Clay's office.

Stephen Carrico helps unload 28 computers donated by the rent-to-own industry.

Students at each school will compose essays on the theme, "What does Black History mean in St. Louis". Two winning essays will be selected by principals at each school and winning authors will  take home brand new desktop computers.

Tamara Thomas, assistant principal at Imagine Middle High School said she hopes the rent-to-own industry's support for education will be replicated by other organizations as well.

"It's an awesome commitment," Thomas said. "I hope it actually mushrooms and more organizations and companies will come to the table as well and be willing to donate these things to our schools that don't have the collective resources. "

The charter schools that will receive the donated computers are: Imagine Middle High School, the CAN Academies of St. Louis, the Confluence Academies Walnut Park and the Construction Career Academy.

RTO and charter school representatives with Rep. Clay third from left.

Missouri Rental Dealers Association President John Cleek Jr. noted the impact of the rent-to-own industry in Missouri. Based on a 2007 survey, the state is home to over 290 stores employing 1,740 who serve over 100,000 customers annually.

However, Cleek said the relationship between his association's members and the community was more than purely economic.

"Our members are very active in donating their time and money as well to many worthwhile charities and we are pleased to be here for this worthwhile educational opportunity," Cleek said. "Our goal with this donation is to give the teachers the tools and resources necessary to teach the students the skills they will need to learn in order to become successful."

The school computer donation program was created in 2007 by the New York State Rental Dealers Association under the leadership of NYSRDA President Dave Edwards, Congressman Ed Townes and APRO.

The press conference was a top six o'clock news story on St. Louis Fox affiliate KTVI, NBC affiliate KSDK 5 and KPLR 11.

The story was also covered by the Associated Press.

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