Digital inclusion has come up in a lot of meetings I’ve attended lately. One consistent roadblock noted by technology non-users is the cost of the equipment. PCs for People does a nice job getting computers in the hands of folks who need them so I’m always happy to share their story. The most recent chapter comes from the West Sherburne Tribune…

Last year, Sherburne County was one of 10 communities across the state selected by the Blandin Foundation to be part of the Blandin Broadband Communities. …

As part of that program, each member partner received 50 computers from PCs for People to distribute in its community. PCs for People is a non-profit organization that receives donated computers, refurbishes them then provides free or low-cost computers to different organizations and families in need.

Tuesday, those computers were distributed to Sherburne County organizations and individuals through the Workforce Center in Monticello.

Ten computers were given to Guardian Angels for the senior community in Elk River.

The Sherburne County Fair Board received one and other qualifying individuals who signed up through the Workforce Center received coupons in the mail to receive a computer.

Tuesday, as they arrived between 3 p.m and 6 p.m., they had a choice between a Hewlett Packard or Dell PC system, complete with tower, monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Sherburne County also recently donated 75 used desktop computers and 50 laptops to PCs for People to refurbish and distribute.