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Shout out to nonprofit efforts to refurbish computers

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FreeGeek Columbus in Ohio (USA ) provides computers and training for limited-resource populations in Central Ohio through redistribution of used equipment and the use of Free Software. FreeGeek Columbus:

  • builds refurbished computers from donated parts
  • grants computers to local non-profits who need them
  • responsibly recycles obsolete or non-functioning hardware to keep it out of landfills
  • educates people to use and manage Ubuntu Linux

If you are in or around Columbus, Ohio, you can volunteer with FreeGeek Columbus, or you can donate any computer hardware, cell phones, printers cables and uninterruptible power supplies.

FreeGeek Columbus was founded in 2004 and is patterend after FreeGeek from Portland, Oregon to Columbus, Ohio. Portland’s Free Geek organization also has a mission is to recycle technology and provide access to computers and the internet. In addition, they have two volunteering programs tied to skills-development: the Adoption Program is for people who want to volunteer for 24 hours in exchange for a computer, and volunteers in the Build Program learn how to build their own computer. They also have a thrift store. “We routinely have computers from $65-$250 and laptops ranging from $80-$350, depending on newness. All systems come preinstalled and tested with Ubuntu Linux.”

And then there’s the Computerworks store in Austin Texas, part of part of Central Texas Goodwill. Unlike other used computer stores and computer refurbishing programs, the Austin Computerworks store has a large selection of Apple products, in addition to the usual IBM clones.

And, finally, let’s spotlight Computer Recycling Center (CRC), founded in 1991 and which, if it still exists (I think it does…) is the oldest continuously operating full-service collection, reuse, and refurbishment program in the USA. It’s in Santa Rosa, California.

And why am I giving a shout out to these organizations? Because a volunteer from FreeGeek Columbus just helped me with my blog HTML — in addition to a small donation to FreeGeek Columbus, I thought this would be a nice way to say THANKS.