No bell-ringers here, just free computer classes

The Salvation Army is offering free computer classes for people who have not caught up with the digital age.

Classes will be held at the Tri-City Corps in St. Charles, 1710 S. 7th Ave., starting Sept. 10. The six-week classes are geared toward seniors, low-income residents, the underemployed and the unemployed, but all are welcome. Advance registration is necessary.

Classes will meet from 9 to 11 a.m., with one group meeting Tuesdays and another meeting Thursdays. Each class is open to both beginners and more advanced computer users.

Only five or six students can enroll in each class so participants can get one-on-one time with teachers, who are volunteers with the organization.

"(Participants) can ask questions without feeling intimidated," said Cathy Winters, the Corps' health and education coordinator.

Beginners will learn how to turn on the computer, e-mail, fill out online job applications and create resumes.

More advanced students will learn to use the Windows XP operating system to learn things like moving files on the Internet and downloading photos.

More classes will be offered in January and officials hope to admit more students.

"At this point we've always had five computers," Winter said. "However, we are expanding to eight."

To register or for more information, call Winters at (630) 377-2769 ext. 210.