Don Singelton shoulders his woes while helping others

But it's to the book of Job -- the story of a man stripped of his wealth, health and family, only to have God show mercy on him in the end -- that Singleton has turned several times to make sense of his life.

The 64-year-old wants to know why he is plagued with ailments that have left him homebound for roughly three years.

"I've read Job several times trying to figure out, how in the heck is He going to fix this?" Singleton said with a laugh. "But I feel like what ol' Job has been through . . . I don't know, it's kind of hard to put into words."

Singleton isn't content to wait for God's grace. He's set out to provide a blessing to others.

And for someone who is bound to his home, Singleton has single-mindedly set out to connect his fellow man with the world.

You see, he refurbishes old computers and gives them to schools, senior citizens centers, churches and other needy organizations.

Among Singleton's ailments is a circulatory problem, which has caused fluids to pool in his swollen legs, feet and purple toes.

Singleton also has a condition that keeps his 309-pound frame so off-balance that he requires two quad canes -- one is strapped with a drainage bag that leads to a catheter.

So with those quad canes and a slow but steady pace, Singleton makes his way through a home so cluttered with computer gear and various other items, that there's hardly a place to sit.

There is, however, always a seat available for Singleton.

At night, Singleton sleeps in his brown lift chair because of his orthopnea, a disorder that makes it difficult for him to breathe if he lies flat on his back.

From that chair, there is a clear view of a black-and-white photograph of a waterfall that Singleton will never see in person.

On the rare occasions when he leaves the house, usually for a doctor's visit, Singleton, who has never been married, calls a friend for a ride. He also relies on a friend to do his grocery shopping.

Then twice a week, both a nurse and an aide attend to his needs.

At least he can joke about it all.

"It's a helluva way to live a life," he said. "I keep telling the boss to send the rider on the pale horse to pick me up, but he hasn't sent him yet.

"I'm not sure when he's coming," he added with a laugh.

Here's the thing, though: As hard as life is for Singleton, he's able to help others via his non-profit organization HelpingTulsa.

The organization is a joint venture with the Tulsa Computer Society and Bethesda Adult Life Training Center (Bethesda Boys Ranch) that provides free refurbished computers to an array of organizations.

Since 2002, HelpingTulsa has distributed almost 1,800 computers that have found their way to, as its Web site says, "schools, churches, nonprofit agencies, senior citizen centers, Tulsa Housing Authority facilities and HUD Section 8 facilities."

Those computers have traveled as far as Africa, Belarus, Belize and a number of other countries.

With the help of volunteers, Singleton's charity turns all those donated computers, which are stacked high in his garage, into fully functional computers.

Basically, the donated computers are given new life when their former selves are erased -- deleting personal information, viruses and all -- in favor of a new identity, complete with new, public domain software.

Among the various packages available is Bible Image, which not only includes the Bible, but also the Torah and the Quran.

The charity's Child Image package includes Christian programs as well as educational programs aimed at school children in grades one through six. Among its offerings are lessons in math, English, geography/science, art and thinking games.

Singleton noted that he would like to find retired teachers to assist him in selecting and classifying programs to expand Child Image to include materials for students from preschool to grade 12.

There also are packages designed for Internet users and seniors.

Singleton noted that computers are cheaper these days, but still too pricey for many.

"You can get a machine for just a few hundred dollars, but some people don't have a few hundred dollars," he said, adding that his refurbished computers "may not be the latest and greatest but, then again, it didn't cost you $300 or $400."

Now, it's just a matter of finding the finished computers a home.

"There are a lot of machines that are already completed," he said, "We're just looking for churches or nonprofit agencies that can make use of them."

To request a refurbished computer or to donate a computer, (Singleton doesn't provide the computers to individuals), go online to HelpingTulsa's Web site, www.Helpingtulsa.org.

The day before Singleton explained his plight in life and the nature of his charitable work, he celebrated his 64th birthday. His brother, a HelpingTulsa volunteer and someone else he couldn't remember called to wish him a happy birthday.

But there was no cake to be sliced and no candles to be blown out.

Singleton, who is trying slim down with the Atkins diet, said he didn't really miss the cake. "It would have been nice to have had one, but the carbs would be illegal under Atkins."

For a religious man who looks to Job for answers and spreads God's word via refurbished computers given new life, Singleton nevertheless wonders about God's plan.

"That's what I keep asking him," Singleton said. "I keep reading Job. Is there a secret button I'm supposed to push? I keep deteriorating down a little further just as (Job) did. And then, at some point, he's supposed to turn around and fix it all.

"I don't know why that is late in coming. I figure that is up to Him."

Matt Gleason 581-8473
matt.gleason@tulsaworld.com