Spectrum and Compudopt handed out free laptops to 50 Rio Grande Valley families on Wednesday in McAllen.

Families and students received laptops along with support on how to use the laptops.

The 50 families were selected through a lottery process, according to a news release.

Texas Sen. Chuy Hinojosa attended the distribution event. 

Compudopt is a nonprofit that provides technology access to underserved youth. Spectrum supported the event through a $17,500 Spectrum Digital Education grant.

The grant is part of Spectrum's philanthropic initiative that supports nonprofits focused on digital skills training, professional advancement, and technology resources for education, the news release said.

Officials said many families in the Valley don't have access to a computer at home. Having that access can help with job training, education and telehealth.