Jill Rivers
Speech/Language and Assistive Technology Specialist

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Question:

Where can I find a donated computer or purchase one used?

-from a parent in Oakland


Answer:

Several organizations are now recycling computers making them available for people with disabilities, educational and other non-profit organizations at little or no cost. The eligibility requirements vary. The following is a list of some local, bay area resources:

The Alameda County Computer Resource Center
1501 Eastshore Highway
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-528-4052
http://www.accrc.org
Open 10-5 weekdays, 12-5 Saturdays

The ACCRC, is a program of the Computer and Technology Recycling Center and they donate computers and related equipment to nonprofit organizations, libraries, and under-privileged homes.

Computer Recycling Center / COMPUTERS & Education Program
3249 Santa Rosa Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707-570-1600
http://www.crc.org

This program donates computers to public schools, teachers, and community nonprofit organizations. The computers are used but have been tested for functionality. Some computers are refurbished by volunteers and students in the COMPUTERS & Education training programs. You must use their web-posted application form to apply for a computer, http://www.crc.org. There is an administrative fee of $25 - $50 per computer system.

There are "Saturday Fundraisers" that offer low-cost computer systems and parts to the public. You will find newer/used/closeout/clearance computer systems, parts, accessories, printers, cards, motherboards, cases, power supplies, etc. If you even think they ever made it for a computer, this is the place to look for it.

The fundraisers are every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at the Santa Clara and Santa Rosa locations.

Santa Clara
Santa Rosa
2971 Mead Avenue
3249 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

 

KidSource Online
1066 Kelly Dr., Ste. 113
San Jose, CA 95129
408-253-0246
http://www.kidsource.com

Matches needy schools with excess, unused, or obsolete computer equipment; they serve as a "matchmaker" between schools, individuals, and corporations. They do not make direct distributions of equipment. The actual transaction takes place directly between the requesting educator and the donor.

Shelter Hill Computer Learning Center
Shelter Hill Apartments
33 Miwok Way
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-383-1571
http://shelterhill.marin.org

This group works with HUD Neighborhood Networks program and community agencies to make technology available to economically disadvantaged people in Mill Valley.

Marin Computer Resource Center
60 Leveroni Court, Suite 200B
Novato, CA, 94949
415-883-1428
http://www.mcrc.org

Marin Computer Resource Center places refurbished computer products with local non-profit organizations, schools and low-income Marin families. Volunteer technicians rehabilitate 5 to 30 donated computers a week, to help organizations and families that would not otherwise have the means to obtain this basic technology.

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