CSX Donates $20,000 for School's First Computer Lab

On March 11, Collinwood High School (CHS) recognized CSX for a donation of $20,000 to establish the first ever computer lab in the school. The idea was a year in the making, according to CSX employee and Safety Chairman for Collinwood Yard, Jerry Lambert. “I was looking for ways to contribute to the school and with the leadership of Tori Kaplan, Director of Corporate Citizenship, and Rusty Orben, Director of Public Affairs for Ohio, CSX came up with the idea of a computer lab and $20,000 for new computers,” said Lambert.

CSX employees Bob Bysura, Jerry Lambert, Terry Turner, and Greg Petkosh (pictured left to right) worked together to paint the computer lab, including the CSX train shown in the background.

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Getting the lab ready started in January when the entire school was painted by a City Year team and reps from the Cleveland Cavaliers. CSX employees Terry Turner, Maryann VanderVelde, Bob Bysura, Greg Petkosh along with Lambert worked together to paint the computer lab. Lambert’s wife even helped research the train design that is now featured on the back wall.

After completion, a student assembly was held in which CSX was honored for their contributions. The students have had a chance to use the lab and will continue to benefit from it for years to come.

“The students couldn’t say enough,” Lambert recalls. “They said they see the CSX yard on their way to and from school, and didn’t know such generous people worked there. They were really touched. They said it was unbelievable that CSX was giving so much at a time when other companies are making cuts.”

And the giving won’t end there. Lambert’s next project also involves City Year and CHS. This May he’s hoping to get 100 CSX volunteers to help improve and beautify the CHS grounds.

The community of Collinwood dates back to the 1800s when it started as a railroad settlement. Today, Collinwood High School is “Home of the Railroaders,” a statement that shows they share a common pride in the railroad with CSX.