United Way Computer Drop-Off Event

April 11, 2011 (Deerfield, IL) –As spring cleaning efforts get underway, United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is working to recycle computers for families who need them in Lake County.  UWLC, in conjunction with local partners, is repurposing used computers for Waukegan High School families enrolled in the Computer Learn and Earn initiative in order to close the ‘Digital Divide.’

“The Computer Learn and Earn is really serving a purpose,” said John Estal, retired Computer Refurbisher and volunteer.  “These families that don’t have a computer are totally handicapped.  In my trade, this is what’s called the ‘Digital Divide’ and this is a great way to put technology into the hands of the families that couldn’t otherwise afford it.”

United Way is currently seeking donated computers and volunteers.  Computer donations can be dropped off at United Way’s offices on 330 South Greenleaf in Gurnee during business hours Monday through Friday.  A computer donation drive will also be taking place at the first “green-certified” gas station in the country1 at Deerfield CITGO on 1460 Waukegan Road on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st.  The gas station is owned by Dave Welsh, who is a part of the Waukegan School District.  Anyone that donates a computer during the CITGO drive will receive a free fountain drink.  Donation/tax forms will also be available. 

Items needed include: laptops & towers (with Pentium 4 or newer processors preferred), keyboards, cables, printers, any computer hardware, flat screen monitors, laptop bags and mice.  All computers are wiped clean of personal information.  Volunteer Computer Refurbishers are also needed and can contact Alicia Garcia at Alicia.Garcia@uwlakeco.org for more information. 

United Way of Lake County discovered through focus groups and research that many Waukegan families lack a home computer; others don’t have technological skills. Parents that participated in the Computer Learn and Earn classes now have both.  As an added bonus, their child now has access to an increasingly important homework tool.  “The participants are engaged, they ask questions, and they truly want to be involved in their child’s education,” said Alicia Garcia, Manager of the Computer Learn and Earn program. 

Computer Learn and Earn classes meet once a week for three weeks. Volunteers from Abbott Laboratories teach parents how to operate a computer and perform basic tasks. Then, parents are introduced to District 60’s Infinite Campus computerized records system, which allows parents to check their child’s attendance and academic performance online. In the final session, parents receive information they can use to help their children succeed in school and go on to college.  To date, over 75 computers have been given to Lake County families in need.  UWLC hopes to receive 200 computers through the computer donation drive at Deerfield’s CITGO gas station.

Computers are donated by various companies and individuals, and are refurbished by Microsoft Registered Refurbisher volunteers. The computer packages include a monitor, keyboard, mouse and Microsoft Office software.

United Way of Lake County (UWLC) is preparing our children to succeed in a changing world by focusing on education and building safe and stable families.  We are focusing on three key educational programs: Success By 6 Program—prepare for kindergarten; Reading Success Program—read at grade level; and the Stay in School Program—graduate high school.  UWLC is overcoming reading and educational barriers by reaching children, from preschool through high school, through these key programs.  The overall effect and benefits are multiplied by the strong collaboration with agencies and our community partners. 

1- Certified by Kaye Kharasch, owner of Green Building Connections and Certified Green Consultant (847-530-4643).

Drop Off Locations:

• United Way of Lake County Offices: 330 South Greenleaf St, Gurnee, 60031 during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For large donations of three or more computers, please contact Alicia.Garcia@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1058.
• Deerfield Citgo Gas Station: Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

      1460 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015 (down the street from Deerfield High School);

      Contact owner Dave Welsh at 847-561-6606 for drop off questions.