Find a New Home for Your Old PC 
Don't add to the landfill pile - put your old PC to work helping others.

http://www.pcworld.com/cgi-bin/pcwtoday?ID=14483

by Liane Gouthro, PC World 
December 24, 1999, 6:00 a.m. PT 

You've unwrapped that brand new 750-MHz desktop system you were hoping for.
But don't 86 that 486; charities want the PC you just replaced. Consider it
the next step in the giving chain.  

Two prominent organizations are the National Cristina Foundation and the
Detwiler Foundation. Both groups will work with you to find a comfortable new
home for your old PC. 

Since 1984 the National Cristina Foundation has provided computer technology
to various disadvantaged recipients. Under its charter, the organization
"provides computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities,
students at risk, and the economically disadvantaged the opportunity, through
training, to lead more independent and productive lives." 

NCF is active in all 50 U.S. states and will "only donate to organizations or
public agencies," says Yvette Marrin, the organization's president.  

You can get information on how to donate to NCF through its Web site or by
calling 800/274-7846. NCF maintains a database of thousands of needy
organizations, and will match you with an appropriate one in your area. When
a match is made, you can take the computer there yourself (NCF tries to find
a site near you), or someone will pick it up from you. 

But the NCF, like most organizations, won't take just anything. Computers
must be at least a 486 system with a hard drive. Marrin says most charities
can't use something older.  

Computers for Classrooms 

The Detwiler Foundation, which works with the Computers for Schools Program,
addresses the critical need for computers in America's classrooms. Computers
donated to the Detwiler Foundation will find a new home in a nonprofit
organization that has an educational or youth focus. 

"We believe we're having a significant impact on the future life options of
children," says Jerry Grayson, the organization's national development
director.  

To donate through the Detwiler Foundation, you can phone 800/939-6000, or
make contact by e-mail through its Web site. The foundation will match you
with an appropriate donation center near you, so you can drop off the
computer. 

The foundation has drop-off sites in 31 states, Grayson notes. Of course,
donation expenses are tax deductible, including the system and a per-mile
transportation deduction. Check with the organization funneling the donation
to ensure tax-deductible status.  

The Detwiler Foundation usually accepts 486 computers or better; its Web site
lists state-specific eligibility requirements. 

If your old computer is simply too old to be useful, don't head for the
landfill just yet--dispose of it in an ecologically responsible way.  

When computers don't meet the minimum requirements, Grayson says, "we put
people in touch with their municipal sanitation departments to find out their
options." 

Computers & Education and Computer Recycling, based in Silicon Valley, reuses
and refurbishes old PCs.  

"We will test the equipment, sort and reuse the best, and recycle the rest,"
says Steven Wyatt, the executive director. Donation sites are available
throughout California.  


National Cristina Foundation - http://www.cristina.org/
Detwiler Foundation - http://detwiler.org/
Computers & Education and Computer Recycling Center - http://www.crc.org/