Sky Lakes volunteers donate laptops to KCC nursing students

For the fifth year in a row — ever since the COVID-19 pandemic — Sky Lakes Medical Center Volunteer Services donated 16 laptops to the Klamath Community College Nursing program for first- and second-year Registered Nursing (RN) students as well as Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students.

Reid Kennedy, director of volunteer services for Sky Lakes, said it has been a tradition for the volunteer organization to raise money for scholarships and the computer donation program. The gift is worth about $9,000.

It showcases the close partnership between Sky Lakes and KCC. The computers were donated to new students in the KCC Registered Nurse Associate of Applied Science degree program.

“Ever since Covid, students have been studying and working remotely,” Kennedy said. “But not all can afford laptops. This is just one way we can help student stay connected.”

Kennedy, along with KCC instructors and staff,  joined KCC nursing students Thursday to provide the new computers and offer encouragement in their studies. Kennedy and other Sky Lakes staff began donating computers to KCC nursing students in 2019-2020.

KCC Director of Nursing, Dr. Dorothy Neufeld, noted, “Textbooks have evolved from paper to electronic learning platforms. Having an up-to-date computer is critical to higher education.”

She also said that it is uplifting to have the Sky Lakes community lend a hand to students, supporting them with encouragement as they begin their health care journey.

The volunteer group also offers two, $1,500 scholarships annually to the nursing students. Skip Neuber is the scholarship chair for the organization.

Sky Lakes Medical Center staff and volunteers work to raise funds all year to purchase laptops for each KCC student.