Computers4Cause gives refurbished computers to nonprofits in need; ActionRED helps improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS
LAS VEGAS – Computers4Cause, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2010 by Simple Computer Repair founder Jim Brock, has donated two desktop computers to ActionRED, whose goal is to improve the lives of disenfranchised individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ActionRED had been operating with two old computers shared between five staff members. Then one broke down, as it had many times before. The organization had an application in for a grant that would allow for the purchase of additional computers for both staff members and a lab for clients, but no word yet.
Lane Olson, executive director for ActionRED, took the broken computer to Simple Computer Repair in hopes of getting it fixed. Brock remembered Olson from his previous visits and, knowing that ActionRED was a nonprofit, asked Olson if they could use a few more computers instead.
“They’re going to make a huge difference,” Olson said. “We’re a grassroots organization, and we use whatever people are able to donate. Jim’s offer to give us two refurbished computers was a tremendous surprise and will be an enormous help.”
ActionRED assists its clients in overcoming barriers in obtaining health care, helps them navigate and stay engaged in the health care system, works to decrease the stigma surrounding those with HIV/AIDS, and creates awareness about HIV prevention and the positive contributions made by people living with HIV. ActionRed is dedicated to improving the lives of the communities it serves by providing resources with an emphasis on integrity, compassion, and excellence.
Olson said the new computers will allow ActionRED to be more self-sufficient and will allow for quicker client input, program support, data input, and more, as tasks will no longer be delayed while someone else is using a computer. Ultimately, they will help the organization better serve clients, Olson said.
Brock established Computers4Cause in response to multiple customer inquiries about how to put their old computers to good use.
“We heard it continually – ‘Is there anywhere I can donate my old computer? It might seem like it runs slow to me, but I know someone else could benefit from it,’” Brock said. “We heard it so often we thought, ‘Why not do something good?’ Not only does refurbishing computers benefit organizations and people in need, but it also keeps these computers out of the landfills. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Computers4Cause refurbishes working desktops, laptops, keyboards, flat-screen monitors and mice by wiping the hard drives, restoring them to factory settings and giving them to organizations in need. Individual applicants pay a one-time price of $49 for a computer. In the last three years, recipients have included low-income families, single parents, shelters, church groups, and teen and support groups. The organization has donated hundreds of computers thus far, and no nonprofit organization has ever been turned down (unless Computers4Cause simply does not have the item they are requesting).
“It’s been great being able to help these nonprofits – foster homes, women’s shelters, organizations like ActionRED,” Brock said. “They’re doing real things for real people.”
Individuals and organizations can apply for a refurbished, donated computer online at www.Computers4Cause.com. Donated computers must be in working condition with hard drives included, as the organization has no means to recycle inoperable equipment. Donations are tax deductible and are accepted at Simple Computer Repair’s southwest location at 5130 S. Fort Apache Road, Ste. 263.
Simple Computer Repair opened in 2008 and provides repair services for all makes and models of desktops and laptops, Apple iPhones, iPads and iPods; game consoles and flat screen TVs. There are two locations in the Las Vegas area, including the southwest location at 5130 S. Fort Apache Road, Ste. 263 and the Henderson location at 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway. There are also franchised locations in Arizona at 13050 W. Rancho Santa Fe #B-5 in Avondale, near Phoenix, and in Michigan at 50480 Schoenherr Rd. in Macomb, near Lake St. Clair.
For additional information on Simple Computer Repair, visit simplecomputerrepair.com.