VBPD donates computers to schools

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Dozens of Virginia Beach families in need will benefit from a large donation of computers from the Virginia Beach Police Department.

The police department seized the computers in a 2010 illegal internet gambling raid. After the case wrapped up, the computers were ordered to be destroyed. Working with the courts, the school system and other outside companies, the police department was able to donate more than 400 computers to the schools. 

High school students within the Advanced Technology Center in Virginia Beach Schools began working on the computers in class. The students have been repairing and rebuilding the computers. They were able to salvage 235 computers that will now be donated to families who don't have one in their homes.

Eighty of the computers are ready to be donated. Families who have applied for a computer through Virginia Beach Schools will be able to pick up their desktop at a distribution event at the ATC Monday night. The event starts at 7 p.m. 

The police department will also be honored and thanked at the distribution event.

Partnership coordinator, Laura Smart says the school system hopes to have another distribution this spring.  If you're interested in learning more about the Virginia STAR program that the computers are donated through, Smart says you should contact the guidance office at your local school.