Cox Announces Computer Giveaway as Part of Broadband Adoption Program

Partnership with Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council (CACRC) to Connect Hundreds of Families to Computers, the Internet

Cox Communications today announced that 500 families in the Southeast Region will receive a free computer, courtesy of a James M. Cox Foundation grant to the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council (CACRC).  This includes 300 families in Cox’s Louisiana service areas of Acadiana, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
 

 “Approximately one-third of Americans are at risk of becoming isolated from contemporary life because they lack the Internet service and skills necessary to use it effectively,” Cox Senior Vice President and Region Manager Jacqui Vines said.  “That’s why Cox partnered with Connect2Compete, a national, not-for-profit program that works to bring students and families online by providing high-speed Internet for only $9.95 a month.”
 

 “With funds from the grant, families will be empowered by the simple addition of an Internet-connected computer within their homes, something many of us take for granted,” Vines continued.

In order to qualify for a free computer, families must first enroll in Connect2Compete. The first 500 families in the Southeast to enroll will receive the computers on a first-come, first-served basis.

The grant to the CACRC enables each recipient to receive a desktop computer equipped with a dual core processor, Windows 7 and anti-viral software;  an LCD Flat Screen Monitor; keyboard and mouse – all backed by a one-year warranty.
 

Located in Baton Rouge, the CACRC is a nonprofit organization committed to e-scrap reduction through recycling and the reuse of electronics by providing refurbished computers and equipment to schools, nonprofits and low-income families.  In 2013-2014, the CACRC partnered with Cox in its Baton Rouge market to serve as the official nonprofit hardware provider of the local Connect2Compete initiative.

“The CACRC works daily with families in our community that are getting their very first computer at home,” said CACRC Executive Director Nancy Jo Craig.  “It is a life changing event for them. This partnership will allow 500 families to have internet and a computer at home to use for homework, finding work, and the pure enjoyment of exploring information."

“Our nonprofit feels privileged to play a part in bringing a world many of us take for granted into the lives of those in need,” Craig continued.

In making the announcement, Vines and Craig were joined by EveryoneOn Chief Marketing Officer Sheila Dugan, who said broadband adoption remains a major challenge for low-income families across the United States, despite some progress being made.
 

“Experts cite three key barriers to broadband adoption: affordability, access to hardware and understanding the relevancy to one’s education and economic prospects,” said Dugan. “Cox Communications has a strong legacy of supporting broadband adoption programs, helping to make progress in these key areas.” 
 

Families with at least one child receiving free school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) could be eligible for the Connect2Compete program and the free computer.
 

For more information, or to sign up for Connect2Compete, families can call 1-855-222-3252, or visit www.connect2compete.org/cox.
 

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Media Contacts:

Sharon Souther Bethea, Cox Communications

225.237.5141 or sharon.bethea@cox.com

Nancy Jo Craig, CACRC

225.379.3577 or njcraig@gmail.com

Sheila Dugan, EveryoneOn

571.275.9025 or Sheila@everyoneon.org

About Cox Communications
 

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity nine times, including the last eight years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About the CACRC
 

The CACRC is an R2-certified, nonprofit organization committed to e-scrap reduction through recycling and the reuse of electronics by providing refurbished computers and equipment to schools, nonprofits and low-income families. Located in Baton Rouge, the CACRC was incorporated as a non-profit in 1997 and has been recycling electronics for the good of communities since then.

About The James M. Cox Foundation
 

The James M. Cox Foundation provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Enterprises does business. The Foundation is concentrating its community support in several priority areas: Conservation and Environment; Early Childhood Education; Empowering Families and Individuals for Success; and Health

About EveryoneON
 

EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit that aims to eliminate the digital divide by making high-speed, low-cost Internet, computers, and free digital literacy trainings accessible to all unconnected Americans. EveryoneOn aims to leverage the democratizing power of the Internet to provide opportunity to all Americans – regardless of age, race, geography, income or education level. EveryoneOn is sponsored by the Carlos Slim Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Wasserman Foundation, and CitiGroup. For more information, visit www.Everyoneon.org.