Close the Divide Day collects 1,300 devices statewide
DEVIN WEEKS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years AGO
Devin Weeks is a third-generation North Idaho resident. She holds an associate degree in journalism from North Idaho College and a bachelor's in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene. Devin embarked on her journalism career at the Coeur d'Alene Press in 2013. She worked weekends for several years, covering a wide variety of events and issues throughout Kootenai County. Devin now mainly covers K-12 education and the city of Post Falls. She enjoys delivering daily chuckles through the Ghastly Groaner and loves highlighting local people in the Fast Five segment that runs in CoeurVoice. Devin lives in Post Falls with her husband and their three eccentric and very needy cats. | August 7, 2020 1:00 AM
Nearly 100 computers donated in Kootenai County for students in need
Community members, businesses and Idaho Business for Education representatives in Kootenai County worked together Wednesday to collect nearly 100 computers and devices during Close the Divide Day.
This tallies into the 1,300 devices that were collected at 47 drop-off locations across Idaho in the statewide effort to provide computers and internet access for all K-12 students before school resumes in just a few weeks.
The push has been ongoing to ensure all students have internet access as education may go completely or partially online depending on what safety measures are needed as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
"The greatest thing is that we continue to create awareness among people in our state that there's a tremendous need out there for our kids," Sandy Patano, who co-chairs the Coeur d'Alene Close the Divide Team, said Thursday. "For them to go back to school, they need the right tools."
Teams have been working to sanitize the computers and wipe the data so they're prepared for student use. Patano said numerous businesses contributed thousands of dollars online, and local businesses donated several devices including new ones.
"The response was overwhelming," she said. "But we're going to continue to collect them through August."
IBE collected nearly $20,000 in cash donations, which can be used to buy computers or assist with internet service for students who don't have those tools at home.
"IBE is so grateful for the generosity of the many Idahoans who donated computers and money to our Close the Divide Day,” IBE President and CEO Rod Gramer said in a news release.
According to the "Digital Divide" survey released by the Idaho State Board of Education in July, 189,400 devices were still needed throughout the state, with more than 81,100 needed for middle and high school students. Another 30,000 students don't have internet access at all.
"Close the Divide Day was truly a community effort, but there is still so much work to be done," Gramer said. "Our Close the Divide Campaign will continue until school starts in September. If you want to help, there is still time to do so."
Info: www.idahobe.org/close
ARTICLES BY DEVIN WEEKS

Survivors to share testimonies Sept. 6 at Altar Church
Survivors to share testimonies Sept. 6 at Altar Church
Survivors of horrific and tragic events will share their testimonies at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 during the "Journey of Forgiveness" event at the Altar Church. The panel includes Cara Kernodle, Sara Weaver and pastor Tim Remington.
North Idaho College hosts free kids dental services for ALICE families
North Idaho College hosts free kids dental services for ALICE families
Going to the dentist can be scary for anyone, especially children. But 8-year-old Ruby Monreal was as fearless as she was friendly Wednesday morning as she walked into the North Idaho College Dental Hygiene Clinic, smiling, waving and ready for her cleaning. “I can handle a bunch of things, just not shots,” said Ruby, who wore a cute pair of periwinkle sunglasses to protect her eyes from the lights on NIC student Ashli Snyder's dental loupes.

Miles for Smiles cruise, car show Sept. 6
Classic car owners who wish to bring joy to others while supporting the Hayden Senior Center will have plenty of opportunities to do so Sept. 6 during the second Miles for Smiles Classic Car Cruise and Car Show.