Helping Kids Who Need a Computer

My parents got our first computer in the early '80s. It wasn't a name brand computer, but was instead put together by a friend of the family who knew how to do those sorts of things -- a skill I, unfortunately, never picked up. Even back then, when computers weren't as pervasive in society, I can tell you how much I appreciated having one at home, name brand or not.

Today, having a computer is so much more of a necessity, which is why an organization like Computer 4 Kids is so valuable. The New York-based group has a mission "to help break the cycle of poverty by giving impoverished kids a computer." For those who want a computer, you can fill out a form here. Or, if you want to give "computers, parts, accessories, software, services or money," you can fill out forms here or here. Donations, according to this ABillionBits article, are intended so the organization can buy "a new mouse, keyboard and speakers for donated and recently refurbished computers."

The article also notes that the company has "collected and donated over 3,000 computers" and they are approaching multiple computer manufacturers and retailers to see if they'll be willing to help. Along with giving children computers, according to co-founder Akiva Perl in the article, they're also installing age-appropriate software in computers. In that pursuit, they're trying to get software publishers involved as well.

While the organization's reach is currently in the Triborough area in New York, their goal is to go nationwide. If you want to participate, not only are you helping children when you get rid of your old computer, you're also reducing your carbon footprint by recycling a computer instead of sending it to a landfill. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what they call a win-win.

Photo courtesy of Extra Ketchup, via Flickr