T&E COMPUTER NEEDS COMPUTERS FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
Although owning a computer is not a life-and-death type of item - it sure is important in today's world. Families with kids in schools especially need them - as many many assignments now-a-days require work on a computer. Yes kids can stay after school and use the school computers - but then they can't get home from school (buses aren't available and parents work and/or don't have a car). If the kids are involved in any after-school activities - then by the time the activities are over, the school library is closed. They could go to the local library in the evening, but again - the family may not even own a car to get them there, or the mom or dad may work at night and the only family car may be gone. Let's face it - a computer at home is a must in today's world.
If you are upgrading your computer and want to donate your old one - please contact us.
See notes below for specific types needed. We would take
laptops or desktops. Especially needed now are laptops, towers (for desktop units) and thin monitors.
Note: If you need help cleaning off your information from your old computer before making a donation - let us know.
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HOW TO MAKE A COMPUTER DONATION
We
can almost always find a family that could use a computer and/or
printer if you have one you'd like to donate. Please contact us at help@tecare.org if you have a computer and/or printer to donate. Be sure to
give us the brand, model number, operating system, etc. when you
contact us. We are licensed to load XP and Office 2003 onto computers, so you can have yours wiped clean before giving it to us. (If you can leave your programs on, then we don't need to use our licenses for yours, and that saves us buying more licenses. It's up to you.) If you need help wiping all your info off your computer let us know - we may be able to assist with that. Please note: because computers and printers
become outdated so quickly, we ask the following:
Computers:
- We only will accept thin monitors at this time. We do not need any more of the bigger monitors.
- We are finding that laptops are becoming more and more popular with families - especially if they don't have internet at home. They can take the laptop with them to the library to do some work. If you have a laptop in good working laptop that you'd like to donate - we'd love to hear from you.
- Be sure the computer is in good working order and no older than 4-5 years. A 2 or 3 year old unit is even better!
- If you have all the parts - monitor, mouse, keyboard, and tower (and any required cables) that would be great.
- If you have just certain parts - please note for mouses and keyboards - we need USB connections only (we do NOT need mouses and keyboards that connect with the round plugs)
- Be sure all towers have enough memory to run on Windows XP or newer.
- If possible, leave Internet Explorer or some similar browser loaded on it.
- If possible leave at least a word processing program on it - Microsoft Office 2003 (Windows and Excel) would be best.
- If possible, include any software, especially for the operating system.
- Include any manuals, discs, etc. that you might have.
- We could use power cords (standard size - can connect computer to electric outlet).
- We do not take Macs unless they are brand new.
Printers:
- Be sure the printer is in good working order.
- Be sure it is new enough that ink can still be purchased for your model. (Can you check with Staples first?) If you have any extra ink for the printer, we'd love that!
- Be sure you have all required cables and software so it can be linked with a computer and connected to the electric source.
- Include any manuals, loading discs, etc. that you might have.
Extras:
- Computers and printers often require extra power sources. We can ALWAYS use power strips.
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IF WE CAN'T USE YOUR COMPUTER
If your computer is too old for us, or if we don't have a need at the time of your offer - three options to consider are:
- For computers that work - take them to Team Children in Audubon. This non-profit takes used computers, refurbishes them, and then sells them at low cost to families in the Philadelphia area.
- To get to Team Children - get on 422 West and go to the 363 North Audubon/Trooper exit. Bear right at the exit - go two lights to Van Buren and turn left. They are the last building on the right (tan building with red stripe).
- For more information go to http://www.teamchildren.com/ or call them at 610-666-1795.
- To recycle any computers - there are 2 local options:
- Take them to your local Best Buy. They will recycle old computers, printers, (and TVs too). You can drop off up to 2 units/day/person. A tower and a monitor would be considered 2 units. All screen-related units (laptops, monitors, TVs) will cost you $10 to recycle, but you will get a $10 Best Buy gift card in return. There is no cost to recycle towers and printers. NOTE: All hard drives must be removed from towers before turning them in. Best Buy will charge you a $20 removal fee if you need to have them take out the hard drive.
- Take them to the Goodwill Store on Lancaster Ave in Berwyn. You can just drop them off (hard drives do not need to be removed). This program started in February 2011 - we aren't sure how long it will last.
- For any computers - you can also look for local recycling options in your township or county. These occur once or twice a year. Go to your county or township websites for more details.
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Internet access???
Getting a family a computer is only the first step! Then they need to be able to go online. The $30-$50/month costs make this prohibitive for many families. If you have any contacts at businesses that offer internet access, please let us know! We would love to develop a relationship with Comcast or Verizon or any such business to help some local families be able to afford this important part of owning a computer!!!
Thanks!!
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