A group of charitable Syosset students are receiving a helping hand from the local rotary club.
Project Milo, a student-run organization providing computers to underprivileged communities, is making strides in its misson to fix and donate electronics with help from its sponser, the Syosset-Woodbury Rotary Club.
The Project Milo team has established a computer center for the School for Language and Communication Development (SLCD) located in Glen Cove. This SLCD is an educational institution serving children with learning impairments in grades K-12. Because most of the institution’s budget had been spent on treatment for its students, they had insufficient funds to finance a computer center, so the Milo team took it upon itself to set up a center with 12 repaired desktop computers for the school. This organization has also donated to the White Oaks Nursing Home in Woodbury.
Among the students’ contributions were four desktop computers and a 40-inch flat screen television. Webcams were also provided to White Oaks for the residents to communicate with relatives over services such as Skype. The Syosset-Woodbury Rotary Club does its part by donating computers to Project Milo.
The team at Project Milo credits Dr. Eileen Gentilcore, the former rotary district governor of Nassau County, Queens and Brooklyn for her assistance along the way. Gentilcore is a retired principal in the Syosset School District and a long time member of the Syosset-Woodbury Rotary Club.
“She’s really helped us out a lot,” said Ridoy Majumdar, current president of Project Milo and senior at Syosset High School. “Most of what we’ve accomplished wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for her commitment and generosity. I’ve been involved in Milo for most of high school. Volunteering with this team is one of my favorite things to do.”
Members of the team dedicate their Sunday afternoons to repair computers and develop plans for the group’s new projects. Tyler Lin, an active member, said, “Milo gives us a chance to really take initiative with our skills and talents. We help others and learn so much at the same time.”
Rachel Baum, another active member of Milo, said, “Before I joined Milo I didn’t really have any experience with computers, but every Sunday I learn something new. I’m grateful for the knowledge that I’ve gained, and I’m proud to be able to use it to help others.”
Project Milo gratefully accepts all donations of unwanted computers, computer screens and computer accessories. Contributions can be dropped off at the Astoria Bank at 50 Jackson Ave. in Syosset, c/o Virgilio Baez. You can make arrangements for pick-up by contacting Project Milo directly at project.milo1.0@gmail.com or by calling 516-350-0961.
