Organizations providing Donated & Low-cost Computers

ADAPTIVE COMPUTER EMPOWERMENT SERVICES

Adaptive Computer Empowerment Services (ACES) was established in 1995 as an all-volunteer organization to refurbish or upgrade donated computer hardware and software and redistribute these items to individuals with disabilities. Volunteers and supporters empower low-income individuals with disabilities who have an interest in Internet access and communication. Qualified applicants can obtain a computer for a flat fee of $50.

Contact: Bud Sayles, Exec Director
ACES Computer Recycling
10054 Prospect Ave. Suite E
Santee, CA 92071
(858) 244-1226 Phone
(858) 571-0919 Fax
E-mail: padams@adaptive.org
Website: www.adaptive.org

ALAMEDA COUNTY COMPUTER RESOURCE CENTER

The ACCRC collects and refurbishes old computers from businesses and individuals and provides technical training to disadvantaged individuals. The organization distributes 30 to 50 Pentium-level computers a week to nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, economically disadvantaged and individuals. The computers are free, but recipient pays the shipping charges. ACCRC designs its rebuilt computers to match the needs of recipients, with little or no cost to the recipient. It also provides a year of free repair and maintenance for all units distributed.

Contact: James Burgett, Founder & Executive Director
Alameda County Computer Resource Center
1501 East Shore Highway
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 528-4052 Phone
(510) 528-4053 Fax
Website: www.accrc.org

COMPUTER RECYCLING CORP. Santa Clara

CRC has collected, refurbished and redistributed over 20,000 computers to schools in the San Francisco Bay area since its founding. Their Computers and Education project provides loaner and free computers to schools and nonprofit organization. The nonprofit agency has affiliate locations in Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, San Francisco and Palm Springs. Public schools or nonprofits must apply for a donated computer through the website.

Computer Recycling Corp
2971 Mead Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 327-1800 Phone
(408) 327-1801 Fax
Email: info@crc.org
Website: www.crc.org

COMPUTER RECYCLING PROJECT, INC.

Collects and distributes older computers for school children and nonprofit organizations. Rent equipment on a deposit basis to nonprofit organizations and to children (K-12 th grade). Serves Northern California area.

Computer Recycling Project
Contact: Richard Blackston
(415) 342-2244

COMPUTERS FOR CLASSROOMS

Provides computers to schools, low-income school children, and low-income individuals with disabilities. Also work with non-profit organizations and adult education classes. Charge $60 per computer. Individuals must be able to pick up the computers. Only will negotiate transport for 10 or more computers.

Computers for Classrooms
Contact: Pat Surr
422 Otterson Drive, Suite 80
Chico, CA 95928
(530) 895-4175

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF ORANGE COUNTY

Consumers can purchase low-cost, refurbished computers at the Goodwill store. Goodwill also uses computers in a work-training program for people with disabilities who are looking to enter the job market. Adaptive computer technology is provided for use in the Goodwill service center.

Contact: Corrine Allen
Goodwill Industries of Orange County
(714) 547-6301 ext. 306

JIM MULLEN FOUNDATION: Computer Give-A-Way Program

The Jim Mullen Foundation makes computer technology available to the disabled and disadvantaged so they can overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Consumers must contact the foundation to begin the application process. There is a $35 processing fee and a $125 shipping fee for each computer. The Jim Mullen Foundation currently has a waiting list of consumers waiting for computers. The foundation has estimated that they will begin accepting applications once again in September 2004. Please contact the foundation for further information regarding the application process.

The Jim Mullen Foundation
9450 Bryn Mawr Ave.
Suite 520
Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 233-9880 Phone/TTY
(847) 233-9884 Fax
Website: www.jimmullen.com
Email: contactjmf@hotmail.com

MARIN COMPUTER RESOURCE CENTER

The MCRC is the North Bay affiliate of the Alameda County Computer Resource Center operation. The facility staff collects and refurbishes old computers from businesses and individuals. The organization distributes 30 to 50 Pentium-level computers a week to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries. MCRC designs its rebuilt computers to match the needs of recipients, with little or no cost to the recipient. It also provides a year of free repair and maintenance for all units distributed.

Marin Computer Resource Center
60 Leveroni Court, Ste 200B
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-1428

OAKLAND TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE WEST

A project of the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute, this nonprofit, school-run program finds and recycles computers. OTX-West provides classroom computers to the Oakland Unified School District and home computers to Oakland Unified middle and high school students’ homes. OTX-West accepts computer hardware donations from local businesses and other organizations. Each computer is tested and loaded with legal and appropriate software for its intended use.

Oakland Technology Exchange
1680 14 th St.
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 893-4822
Website: www.otxwest.org
Email: otxwest@yahoo.com