Burl. Twp. man on a computer mission for families

There are many low-income families that do not have a computer, but LaMonte Reed is on a mission to change that.

Reed, a volunteer with the nonprofit Sisterhood Inc., collects used computers, refurbishes them, and distributes them to families in Burlington City and Willingboro.

In the past year and a half, Reed has given away about 50 such computers.

Reed, a computer technician and videographer from Burlington Township, said it is important for every family to have a computer in this technological age. He said children especially need computer access to work on school assignments and conduct research on the Internet.

In return for a computer, the Sisterhood asks each family to volunteer time at the organization, or make a small donation of $50 to $100. Reed said the contribution is determined on a case-by-case basis and no one is turned away.

Reed credited his friend Joe Steele for starting the program about 10 years ago. When Steele began working as a teacher at the Burlington County Special Services School in Lumberton, he could no longer dedicate the time necessary to the computer program, and he asked Reed to take over. Reed said he enjoys the work.

“I feel I am on this Earth to help other people,” he said.

Reed has outfitted a computer lab at the Sisterhood office, located at the corner of York and East Broad streets in Burlington City, where he teaches children how to use the computers.

source: http://www.phillyburbs.com