Housing Authority raises funds for student computers

July 12, 2012

Eight local students, including a Watervliet Class of 2012 graduate, have received free laptop computers thanks to the generosity of local donors.

For the past four years, the Watervliet and Cohoes Housing Authorities have raised money to provide computers to tenants who recently graduated from high school and are bound for college.
During a presentation ceremony in Cohoes on Tuesday, July 10, Watervliet Housing Authority Director Charles Patricelli noted that computers are a necessity for today’s students.

“Financially, however, purchasing a computer is not always possible for students,” he said. “We want our college-bound tenants to be on the same playing field as other students.”

Each year, Housing Authority staff sends out letters seeking donations for the program. This year, one student each from Green Island and Watervliet and six from Cohoes received brand new laptops. Students must complete one full year of college to keep the computer.

Watervliet graduate Farhad Muradi, who will study information technology at Hudson Valley Community College in the fall, was one of the students who received a laptop.

“I applaud Mr. Patricelli, the Housing Authority staff and the donors for providing these laptops and helping to prepare our students to be college and career ready," said Watervliet Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lori S. Caplan.

 Donors for this year’s program include:
Passono Paints
E. W. Thompkins Co. Inc.
SEFCU Foundation
Stewart’s Shops
Main Brothers Oil Co. Inc.
Mayor John McDonald
Goldberger & Kremer
Kids Count
Harold Clune, Inc.
Harris A. Sanders Architect
Redemption of Christ
Cohoes Police Union
Watervliet Charitable Foundation
Friedman Fisher Associates