Rolan do Godoy, Govt Director of the Compmunity Basis, has been particularly busy in the course of the pandemic. His Marietta-based nonprofit offers refurbished computer systems to low-income households and seniors, in addition to colleges and non-profit organizations, throughout Metro Atlanta and even internationally.
Because of Covid-19, extra folks than ever have to work remotely, distance-learn and join with family members on-line—a troublesome state of affairs if you happen to can’t afford a brand new laptop computer or PC, Godoy stated.
“Thus far over the last 5 months, now we have helped round 120 folks,” stated Godoy, an online developer and programmer with a grasp’s diploma in Info Know-how. “We’re a bit behind as a result of we’re getting extra requests for computer systems and assist than we will fill.”
This previous August, the Compmunity Basis gave refurbished computer systems to 2 Easy Wants GA purchasers. “One among them went to a mother who was going to lose her stay-at-home job if she didn’t get her personal pc,” stated Brenda Rhodes, founding father of SNGA. “We’re so grateful to Rolando and the muse for filling this want, particularly now.”
(Thanks additionally to Natalie Rutledge at Communities in Faculties of Georgia, the state’s main group offering drop-out prevention, for connecting us with the muse.)
In 2019, Godoy and his tech-savvy volunteers refurbished and/or recycled greater than 120 computer systems. In addition they gave 32 hours of free pc coaching to 100 adults.
Should you’d wish to donate a pc or make a monetary contribution to the muse, simply e-mail [email protected].
Listed below are just a few pointers for donating desktops and laptops (working LCD displays and peripherals are accepted, however not printers, scanners, copiers, microwaves, home equipment or ink cartridges) …
- The inspiration can’t take all computer systems: 5 years is the utmost age (older than that, and will probably be too gradual to run the likes of Home windows 10). Volunteers could need to run a diagnostic on a pc—checking its reminiscence, onerous drive area and processor sort/pace—previous to agreeing to just accept the donation.
- You may take away the onerous drive to guard your personal information earlier than donating the pc; alternately, the muse can use HD Shredder software program to professionally wipe the drive, permitting it to be reused (or they will simply take the onerous drive out and provides it to you).
- Whereas the Compmunity Basis does have an workplace in Marietta, Godoy and the volunteers are working remotely proper now; please don’t drop off computer systems, displays, and so on., on the workplace with out making an association upfront.
Godoy began the muse out of his storage, having acquired many requests for assist with computer systems and know-how, and in addition having seen low-income college students, people and households who have been combating the digital divide. He was additionally involved about e-waste and knew that extending the lifetime of and/or recycling computer systems might make a dent in the issue, he says.
Thus far, the group has refurbished or recycled no less than 1,000 computer systems and has helped tons of of individuals, many in Cobb county. “I even have some partnerships with worldwide organizations that gather meals, garments and different gadgets,” Godoy stated. “We’ve despatched computer systems to Jamaica, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Kenya and Sierra Leone.”
For extra data, go to www.compmunityfoundation.com.
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