East Central center seeking volunteers for computer lab

The East Central Community Center is in urgent need of volunteers to help staff its computer lab.

The center, 500 S. Stone St., has been inundated with students needing to use computers. In the past, they used computers at the East Central Library branch.

“Since the library is only open two days a week, the kids don’t have anywhere to go to do their daily homework. They have to wait until Wednesday or Friday when the library is open,” said Daun Douglas, a clerk at the center.

“During Christmas break we were full from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. There were kids here all day, because they didn’t have anywhere to go,” said Douglas.

Douglas said there are eight computers in the lab for the public to use and at times there can be a waiting list. The center is looking for volunteers with computer experience who are available from 3 to 6 p.m. to help supervise the students.

“We do like people to make rounds of the room to make sure that kids aren’t going to inappropriate sites,” said Douglas.

The center also is looking for volunteers to teach adult classes.

“We’re trying to find people who can help build the curriculum. We have adults asking for computer classes during the day, Word, Excel, things like that. We are looking for people who would teach the classes for free,” said Douglas.

Douglas said that in the last several weeks, people have been coming in the center to ask for help with resumes. They need them photocopied and are asking for help with typos, spelling and set up.

Anyone interested in volunteering, even for a few hours a week, can call Douglas at 625-6699.