O’Neal Reads of Theft, Gives 5 New Computers to YMCA

A few days after learning that 22 computers were taken from the Mid-Valley YMCA, Los Angeles Lakers’ star Shaquille O’Neal donated five new multimedia computers to the center.

The computers will be delivered to the center on Lennox Avenue at 10 a.m. Thursday, said a representative of Management Plus Enterprises, a Santa Monica company that represents O’Neal.

“Shaq saw the story about the YMCA and felt moved to act because he believes the kids who are computer-illiterate in the next century are going to be at a greater disadvantage than they are today,” said Leonard Armato, O’Neal’s agent, in a prepared statement.

Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs also will be at the YMCA on Thursday and will donate $500 for computers, said Barbara Linski, the YMCA’s executive director. She added that the YMCA also has received offers from 10 people who wish to donate money or computers.

“We were pleasantly surprised that people heard about our problem and came forward to try and help out,” Linski said.

The donations will help the YMCA start its homework club program for at-risk youths, she said.

Underwriters Reinsurance Co. of Calabasas had donated the 22 computers, along with keyboards, mouses, connecting cables and software programs, when it upgraded its system last month. The equipment was in storage at the YMCA when it was stolen.