In a world increasingly shaped by screens, software updates, passwords, and platforms that seem to change overnight, the Hilton Head Island Computer Club (HHICC) has become one of the island’s quiet constants – steady, trusted, and profoundly human. Entirely volunteer-driven and grounded in service, the club exists to do something both simple and increasingly rare: help people understand and confidently use the technology that now permeates everyday life.
Founded in 1989 by 11 friends who were early computer enthusiasts, HHICC began as a modest gathering of curious minds meeting a few hours a week. Nearly four decades later, it has grown into one of the largest not-for-profit organizations on Hilton Head Island, serving more than 1,300 members and operating a full-scale Resource Center that provides hands-on technology support, education, and reassurance.
“Our mission has always been about helping people,” said Bob Gregory, volunteer and publicity chair for HHICC. “Technology can be incredibly empowering, but it can also be overwhelming. We’re here to make it approachable.”
A Class in the Resource Center
A Collective Approach to an Ever-Changing World
What sets HHICC apart is not just its longevity, but the depth and diversity of expertise behind it. The club operates with approximately 30 active volunteers, most of whom are retired professionals who spent their careers in technology companies or in technology-focused roles within other industries. Others developed deep technical knowledge through years of personal study and curiosity.
“No one volunteer knows everything,” Gregory said. “But collectively, we have people who can help Windows users, Apple users, Android users – hardware, software, phones, tablets, watches, laptops. If you put us all together, we cover a lot of ground.”
That collective knowledge is essential in a landscape that never stops shifting. According to Gregory, recent surveys of HHICC members reveal clear trends in where help is most needed. One of the biggest current issues is the transition to Windows 11, which has forced many users to upgrade not only software but hardware as well. “That’s a very hot topic right now,” he said. “People come in with questions about whether their machines can even handle the new operating system.”
On the Apple side, demand is equally strong. From iPads and iPhones to Apple watches and Mac computers, members regularly seek assistance navigating the interconnected Apple ecosystem.
Beyond operating systems and devices, two additional areas stand out: artificial intelligence and digital security.
“AI is high profile and high interest,” Gregory said. “It can be incredibly helpful, but it can also be misleading if people don’t understand what they’re looking at. We’ve been doing presentations to help members make sense of it.”
Security, however, may be the most urgent concern of all. With scams, hacks, and fraud attempts becoming increasingly sophisticated, HHICC volunteers spend significant time educating members on online safety, privacy, and best practices.
“Sadly, it’s more needed than ever,” Gregory said.
A lesson in Excel.
Personalized Help, One Question at a Time
The heart of HHICC’s work happens at its Resource Center, located in the Senior Center building on Shelter Cove Lane, adjacent to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department office. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center offers both in-person and phone-based assistance to members.
Some issues require hands-on, one-on-one help for tasks such as setting up a new device, troubleshooting software conflicts, or recovering lost files. Others can be resolved over the phone, making support accessible even to those who can’t easily visit in person.
“We really try to meet people where they are,” Gregory said. “Accessibility matters.”
Within the Resource Center, there are two distinct spaces: a larger room for group presentations and workshops, and a smaller room dedicated to individual consultations. Overseeing this operation is Resource Center manager Jolyn Bowler, a near-legendary figure within the club.
“She goes all the way back to 1991,” Gregory said with a laugh. “She’s a lovely lady, but honestly, the depth of her knowledge is almost scary. This is her life – she loves it. She manages the entire Resource Center and the one-on-one counseling that happens there.”
While operating systems and security issues are common, many members come to HHICC for help with more personal, day-to-day technology challenges. These include file management, Cloud storage, photo editing and organization, streaming television, and cord-cutting solutions.
“Photo management is a big one,” Gregory said. “People want to know how to store photos, edit them, share them, and use them in different ways to communicate with family and friends.”
Personalization is another growing area of interest. Each user has unique preferences and comfort levels, and HHICC volunteers help tailor device settings to fit individual needs – whether that means adjusting accessibility features, simplifying interfaces, or organizing apps in a more intuitive way.
Hilton Head Island Computer Club: Tech Help You Can Trust.’
Founded: 1989
Members: 1,300-plus
Volunteers: 30 experienced technology professionals
Mission: Hands-on technology support and education, by neighbors, for neighbors
We Help With:
Windows, Apple, Android devices
Computers, tablets, phones, smartwatches
Windows 11 transitions, system upgrades
Cybersecurity, scams, online safety
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Benefits and risks
Cloud storage, file management, photo organization
Streaming TV, cord-cutting, device setup
Personalized device settings for ease of use
Resource Center Location: 70 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite L (inside HHI Senior Center)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Membership (annual): $30 individual, $40 family
Teachers at Heart
While many volunteers are self-described “tech geeks,” Gregory believes there is a deeper motivation at play. “They volunteer for two main reasons,” he said. “One is that they genuinely enjoy technology. The other is that they enjoy teaching. This is an educational service, and there’s something very rewarding about helping someone finally ‘get it.’”
Because technology evolves so quickly, volunteers often specialize in different areas, sharing knowledge with one another as much as with members. That internal collaboration keeps the club nimble and current.
In addition to one-on-one help, HHICC places a strong emphasis on education through workshops and presentations. These sessions are offered both in person and via Zoom, and many are recorded and uploaded to the club’s website for later viewing.
“If someone can’t attend live, they can still benefit,” Gregory said. “Most recordings are available within a week. We put a premium on convenience.”
This hybrid approach allows members to learn on their own schedules and revisit topics as needed, an invaluable resource in a world where information overload is common.
A Self-Sustaining Model of Service
HHICC is financed almost entirely through membership dues, which Gregory describes as “among the best values on the island.” Annual membership is $30 for individuals and $40 for families, allowing multiple household members to access services.
“With about 1,300 members renewing every 12 months, that revenue allows us to cover rent, maintain equipment, and invest in new technology when needed,” Gregory said. “And there’s no paid staff. We’re all volunteers.”
While HHICC’s primary focus is local, its impact has reached far beyond Hilton Head. One of the club’s proudest moments came in the form of a letter from the late Dr. Jack McConnell, founder of Volunteers in Medicine, thanking HHICC for transforming complex information into a professional presentation that could be used nationwide to help other communities establish free medical clinics.
“That really stayed with us,” Gregory said. “It showed how helping people with technology can have a much broader impact.”
As HHICC enters its 37th year, leadership is evolving as well. Longtime president Norman Galloway, who has served for the past decade, will pass the baton to incoming president Steve Tunnicliffe in January. Galloway will remain active as a volunteer, ensuring continuity and fresh momentum.
“That transition is another sign of vitality,” Gregory said. “We’re always looking forward.”
In an increasingly digital world, the Hilton Head Island Computer Club stands as a reminder that technology works best when paired with patience, generosity, and community. One question at a time, HHICC continues to prove that while devices may change, the power of people helping people never does.
