TVA donates computers for seniors

Chickamauga Electric System recently called on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Customer Delivery to help answer a community need.

Micheal Haney, Chickamauga Electric System’s manager, reached out to TVA because the Chickamauga Active Living Center needed computers — it had only one — for its members to use.

To help alleviate that problem, TVA’s Customer Delivery Group donated three Dell laptop computers from the agency’s surplus inventory.

“This is a great opportunity for TVA and Chickamauga Electric to show their appreciation to the community,” he said. “This would make some of the many computer related activities

Pam Rinehart said having more computers will help provide more services to more seniors, particularly since more and more agencies rely on digital communication.

“Anything that will help them (seniors) bypass staying on the telephone — either on hold or being transferred from department to department,” she said.

Rinehart said seniors will be able to check on Medicare and Social Security benefits, make address changes and deal with federal and state agencies such as the VA or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

“Having these three laptops means our instructors can offer assistance to a group of four (using the desktop too) rather than one-at-a-time,” she said. “Having more computers means more of them can keep in touch with their family members.”

And for those who either don’t like to drive or have trouble walking, these additional computers allows online shopping at pharmacies, grocery stores and retail merchants.

TVA’s donation helps the Center fulfill its goal of improving the lives of senior citizens living in the area.

“On behalf of TVA, making this contribution to the City of Chickamauga in conjunction with Chickamauga Electric System’s General Manager, Micheal Haney, is a great opportunity to help the community center,” administrative assistant in customer delivery for TVA Sherri Flippo said.