LOCAL NON-PROFIT GIVES COMPUTERS TO HELP LOW-INCOME CHILDREN & FAMILIES

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By Millicent Arko

November 9, 2011 (San Diego)-- Computers 2 San Diego Kids, known as C2SDK, refurbishes used computers and distributes them to eligible families at little or no cost to the recipients.  If you or your business is upgrading equipment, you can donate your previous models, helping families in need and assisting children to learn literacy skills. 

Software sanctioned by the Department of Defense wipes out all data that might be left on the computer systems from previous owners, alleviating any privacy concerns.


Computers 2 SD Kids, a non-profit organization, also assists qualified children and theire families to obtain software and training as well as computers to help them become computer literate. Children with home computers perform at higher academic levels.

C2SDK
place computers in the homes of low-income families who have a need for technology to enhance their children’s academic success. C2SDK’s goal is to provide computers to be used for schoolwork; whether it is completing a school assignment, developing job skills, seeking employment opportunities, increasing financial literacy, improving communications, technology helps individuals achieve their goals.

The
prime goal is to place the needed computers into the homes of 28% of San Diego County families who cannot afford this essential educational tool. The size of the low-income families that is served is from 3 to 11 members per household.

Through the Technology Grant Program, applicants are reviewed and accepted, the candidates are contacted to receive training and a computer.
C2SDK volunteers conduct the classes in training. The organization is heavily dependent on volunteers who have extensive experience in information technology. In addition to training, C2SDK offers technical support for families for the first year they have the computers. Through its Technology Assistance Program that recycles and refurbishes used computers and delivers them to families in need, C2SDK also provides each recipient with education, training and technical support necessary to achieve success.

BACKGROUND:
The philanthropic project was the idea of Larry and Tammy Hershfield. Larry Hershfield is the CEO of Hawaiian Holdings and Ranch Capital, and chairman of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. According to the company’s website, the couple learned that many kids in their community did not have equal access to computer technology.  As they witnessed friends upgrading to the latest and greatest technology, they began to wonder, “What happened to the old systems?”  Knowing that the old computers still worked but had little value, and that components are not environmentally friendly, they began refurbishing and distributing the computers from their garage.

C2SDK now refurbishes and gives away 200 to 300 computers a month, but individuals who apply to the program sometimes have to wait a couple of months to get a desktop. While there are no strict income requirements, the number of children in a family is considered, annual income and extenuating circumstances.
C2SDK accepts all working and nonworking electronics including computers and laptops (APPLE and PCs), monitors (any size), keyboards, mice, printers, copiers, fax/scanners, televisions, radios, stereo equipment, speakers, cell phones, land phones, VCRs, DVRs, recorders, projectors, miscellaneous cords, software, hardware, ink and toner cartridges (new and used), etc. Download a Technology Donation Receipt and bring it when you drop off your donation and C2SDK will provide a tax receipt. There is no charge to the donor and C2SDK provides tax receipts upon request.
C2SDK is conveniently located to drop off your donated electronics: C2SDK Recycling Center, 7630 Miramar Road, Suite 2300, San Diego CA 92126, (858) 635-5774 and visit www.computers2sdkids.org .  
C2SDK believes all children in San Diego County, regardless of economic status, need to be computer-literate to improve their educational options and their futures.

Computer literacy is no longer the way of the future; it is the main mode of communication, education, and financial literacy. The cost is $85 to place a recycled computer in the home of a low-income family and provide them with the tools to access educational, occupational and financial resources. C2SDK values its experience in completing this process in the most efficient manner, taking pride in its operational success with over 93 cents of every dollar-raised going directly to program costs.

Annually, C2SDK places more than 3,000 computers into the homes of San Diego’s low-income families. C2SDK work is supported by grants, individual and corporate financial donations, and corporate in-kind donations. These donations are the driving force behind their success.
 

 


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