P&G DONATES TO SCHOOL

Thanks to a donation from Procter & Gamble Co., the Cape Girardeau Area Vocational-Technical School has a collection of computers and office equipment, and money to upgrade them.

Bob Renshcen of P&G said: "We've had a partnership with the school for four years. I've felt the partnership was very one-sided. They've been providing us with teachers and training for our employees. Very rarely do we have a chance to make it a true partnership."

Recently, the plant upgraded its computer system. As a result, 12 IBM machines were donated to the school. In addition, the plant donated $2,575 to help the school upgrade the equipment.

P&G also has donated a collection of office furnishings and equipment, including desks, filing cabinets, chairs, hand tools and tool cabinets, visual aids and television monitors. The items had an original purchase price of $15,000.

School director Gary Gilbert said: "We're struggling with funding for enough computers to operate our programs. Sometimes students have to wait in line to use a computer."

Harold Tilley, coordinator of adult education at the school, said: "We are going to spread the machines throughout the building. The computers will be used in several different vocational programs."

Gilbert said vocational educators "get to be scroungers" looking for updated technology and equipment for students. "The great thing about this gift is that we didn't have to ask," he said. "P&G sees our need and sees what they can do to help."

Renschen said, "The end product for us is that the people they turn out here have the skills we can use at our facility."