Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – 150 kids ranging from kindergarten through high school received refurbished laptop computers courtesy of AT&T and student charity COMPUDOPT at an event at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois‘ 15th street headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.

To say the children were ecstatic with the surprise gifts would be an understatement. Many of the kids come from a disadvantaged backgrounds and officials say the laptops are a vital tool for education in today’s digital world.

Deanna French with Boys and Girls Club says in addition to the laptops the students will receive two years of free tech support, and a new book bag filled with back-to-school supplies.