SAVANNAH — Three Bryan County organizations are now sporting new computer equipment thanks to a gift from a local bank.
The Savannah Bank donated five computers Oct. 3 to the Bryan County Senior Citizens Center and three computers each to the Bryan County Family Connection Teen Center and the Bryan County Department of Family and Children’s Services.
Jimmy Burnsed, senior vice president of The Savannah Bank and Bryan County Commission chairman, presented the computers to Terry Watkins, director of service for the Bryan County Senior Citizens Center; Wendy Sims, director of the Bryan County Family Connection Teen Center; and Diane Hardee, Bryan DFCS director with the Pembroke and Richmond Hill office of the Department of Family and Children’s Services.
Burnsed noted the Senior Citizens Center provides an opportunity for seniors to gain valuable computer training.
“Improving their technical skills helps make them keep in touch with loved ones through the ever changing world of technology,” he said. “It also provides an opportunity to research benefits and services available, and for those who enjoy keeping busy, it provides an opportunity to apply for positions on line.”
Burnsed said programs offered by DFCS create computer access to those who would not normally be able to afford one.
“This access provides an opportunity to research available services and benefits as well as apply on line for available jobs to help them become productive, financially stable members of the community,” he said.
Hardee said the department was “very grateful” for the donation.
“Our agency is very grateful to Mr. Burnsed and The Savannah Bank for the donation of the computers,” she said. “There are currently no computers in the Richmond Hill office for our customers to use. The computers for that office will afford our customers the opportunity to apply for benefits online and become self-sufficient.”
Burnsed said the donation to the Teen Center will also supply computers for young adults who may not have their own.
“This access provides an opportunity to complete homework and apply for jobs, as well as providing much need technical skills making the teens more employable,” he said.
The Savannah Bank has an office in Bryan County and six in Chatham County.