The Stettler Computer Re-Connect program is reaching out to the public for computers and accessories they no longer need.
The program refurbished 25 computers within its first year, and is run through the Heartland Beautification Centre and the Stettler & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
“We were maybe expecting around something like 12 computers, but we’ve already put around 25 out into the community,” said technician Tyler Hudgeon.
With the number of computers that have been distributed in the first year, there is now a need for further donations. Donated computers may be functional, semi functional, or non-functional.
Once computers are donated, their hard drives are permanently erased and are refurbished with web readiness and a basic office program such as LibreOffice or OpenOffice.
The computers are then returned to the Stettler & District FCSS centre where they are given to a family or community organization in need.
Computers running Windows XP or older are no longer supported and can’t be taken to the FCSS office on Main Street. Computers should also be less than eight years old and run a minimum operating system of Windows Vista.
The Stettler Computer Re-Connect program also takes computer accessories such as: flat screen monitors, mice, keyboards, webcams and computer speakers.
“Just about anything, aside from printers and scanners, we don’t take those,” said Hudgeon.
“Dropping them off at the FCSS would be the ideal bet,” said Hudgeon. “You can always contact us via our Facbook page at the Heartland Beatification Committee.”
“Any computers within eight years old, that you think is broken (or) it doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter. We’ll take anything that has even a bit of use.”
“We’re looking to help people out and recycle it if we can’t do anything with it. Our only request is that they consider donating it back to our program, through FCSS, if they no longer require it down the road.”
landin.chambers@stettlerindependent.com
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