By Emma Coffey

Published: Jul. 26, 2026

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The Omni Circle Group wrapped up a nine-month program Saturday morning by giving away laptops and tablets at a device distribution.

The event, funded by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) grant, allowed residents in Topeka’s Central Park neighborhood to pick up a device and get fully set up for success in the online world.

Economic Development Director Jessica Pauly says getting those community members online is crucial in more ways than one.

“So much of our world today happens in online spaces; people need access to telehealth, they grocery shop online, they bank online, they build business online. And so, for all of these reasons, we don’t want anybody to be left behind,” Pauly said.

While Saturday was the final device distribution under the DOCK grant, Pauly says Omni Circle is already working to roll out a new grant.