California raised $ 140 for children doing their homework in the parking lot due to free WiFi

More than $ 140 was raised for a Californian family after two girls were spotted in a Taco Bell parking lot using the restaurant's free WiFi for school hours. USA Today.

Photo: Shutterstock

In the photo, two girls can be seen sitting on the sidewalk outside a Taco Bell in Salinas, California, working on laptops while an employee squats in front of them. The girls' faces are not visible in the photo, but the Salinas City Elementary School District identified the students after the photo began circulating and "immediately provided the family with a point of access," said Richard Gebin, the district's public information officer.

“The digital divide is very real, and delays in getting needed technology is a statewide problem,” said Amy Isch, president of the Salinas Elementary School District. “We are grateful to the state for making technology a priority and look forward to bringing these hotspots to our county.”

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The district, which has just under 8500 students, is in full distance learning, Gebin said. School leaders have already given out 8245 Chromebooks and 1500 hotspots and are now waiting for another 2500 hotspots to be delivered.

Jackie Lopez said she started a fundraising campaign for the family after learning that the family was about to be evicted from their home, according to GoFundMe. Since then, over $ 140 has been raised and the family is working with an accountant to manage the funds.

“All children deserve a happy place to live, and because of their dedication, these little girls deserve a safe place to learn,” Lopez wrote. “We appreciate each and every one of you for helping us make this happen.”

Photo: instagram.com/ms_mamie89

The school district clarified that it does not participate in any online family gathering. A GoFundMe representative has confirmed fundraising on the platform.

The image, shared by several local officials, highlights the harsh reality that many of the millions of children now returning to school do not actually have access to the Internet in their homes.

“This is California, the home of Silicon Valley... where the digital divide has never been greater,” California Senate President pro tempore Kevin de Leon said on Twitter. — Where 40% of all Latinos do not have access to the Internet. This generation deserves better."

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Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo also shared a photo on Twitter, saying, "We must do better and bridge this digital divide once and for all for all California students."

Representative of Taco Bell Corp. called the photo "a stark reminder of the fundamental inequalities our communities face" in a statement emailed to USA TODAY.

“We and our franchisees have always been committed to supporting youth education, and the owner of this restaurant is looking for additional ways to support these students and the broader community,” the spokesperson said in the letter.

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