Local non-profits recently received technology upgrades thanks to Access Credit Union.

Computers at each branch location are updated every three to four years and are typically electronically recycled. Community Coordinator Emily Suderman adds however, this time around the IT department refurbished the units by replacing the hard drives and installing clean copies of Windows 7 Pro. These computers were then donated to various community groups, a move that Suderman says was a small thank-you.

"We were aiming to find organizations that serve our communities and give back themselves, there are so many amazing programs and community groups in our area and this was just a little way to say 'Thank you'."

She adds ACU was able to find new homes for all seventy-eight computers in just over two weeks.

"We are very thrilled that these computers are being put to good use."

Suderman thanks the community-at-large for helping spread the word about the effort.

"We've been astonished by the feedback that we've gotten and the amount of people that could benefit from (the computers) has just been amazing. We're glad that we did this and it's just been wonderful to connect with community groups that maybe we wouldn't always have the opportunity to."

One of the benefactors was Gateway Resources in Winkler. The day program saw four computers, including one for the senior program. Alesha Hildebrand says the computers will continue to help deliver the many programs that Gateway provides.

"These computers are a huge addition to providing more opportunities for our participants to learn, to excel and to understand their community and the world they live in."

Hildebrand adds this opportunity was a huge advantage for Gateway.

"We can't run and excel in our programming without the support from our community...and we really appreciate that."

Access Credit Union gave away nearly 80 computer towers