WEST CHILLISQUAQUE TOWNSHIP -- Christmas came a little early for some people in Northumberland County. Around 30 people took home free computers Wednesday, thanks to donations.
Susan Leech is one of around 30 people who got a free computer from the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce and MePush, a company that refurbishes computers.
"This is a godsend that someone comes in here and does this for someone else who can't afford one. We're both retired and we're both on a set income and we just cannot afford computers," Leech said.
This is the third year for the computer giveaway.
MePush and the Chamber of Commerce near Milton partner to give away refurbished computers to people in the Susquehanna Valley who need them.
"That could include low-income families, senior citizens, day cares, non-profits and start-up businesses," Jeff Shaffer said.
The companies gave away more than 30 computers this year, but donations are down.
"Down from two years ago, we gave away 75. But the computer climate changes. I think people are holding onto computers longer," Shaffer said.
Even though donations were down, Chris Stratton of Milton picked up a computer for a family friend.
"They have limited resources and we'd really like to help them out. We encouraged them to apply. They did and thankfully MePush was very generous and accepted their application," Stratton said.
Of course you need people to help carry out the computers. The Chamber of Commerce brought on a group of volunteers from five area high schools.
"All today we were learning about having the opportunity to help other people, so for all of us to be able to do it all together, it's a great feeling, especially so close to Christmas," Maddie Beyer said.
To apply for one of the computers, you must submit an application to the chamber. If people want to drop off their old computers, they can bring them to MePush, which is on Market Street in Lewisburg.