Goodwill to provide computer components that can be used to build new machines for people who cannot afford them
“In an effort to close the digital divide in our community, Goodwill Manasota and the Sarasota Technology Users Group (STUG) are embarking on a new collaboration that will supply STUG with computer components to help build new machines, and support Goodwill’s commitment to achieving digital equity for its team members and mission services clients,” Goodwill Manasota has announced.
“The availability of digital devices, access to affordable broadband, and digital literacy are issues that are critical to creating economic opportunities and improving access to information and services,” a news release points out. “For communities with a wide ‘digital divide’ — i.e., where there are inequities between those who have access to the internet and digital technology and those who do not —‚ that gap can inhibit the full participation in modern society and lead to educational and skills deficits that prevent people from finding stable employment,” the release explains.
“As part of the agreement between the two nonprofits,” the release continues, Goodwill has pledged to supply STUG with at least 100 pounds of “e-scrap” per month, “such as computers, computer components, laptops, hard drives, and miscellaneous electronics …” Goodwill also will pick up e-waste from STUG upon request.
Further, the release points out, STUG representatives have agreed to visit Goodwill once a month “to sort through and select desired items, and provide a valid, dated certificate of data destruction for each pick-up of e-scrap.”
The release further explains, “STUG’s mission is to bring to its members quality education in using today’s personal technology products, and to provide refurbished computer equipment to qualified citizens of Sarasota County. “
“Founded in 1982, STUG educates its members about the uses of applications, hardware and software through discussion groups, forums, lectures, seminars and other efforts,” the release says.” Its volunteer corps refurbishes computers and provides them to students, qualified individuals, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Sarasota area. For more about the group, visit thestug.org.”
“Without sufficient technology, access to affordable internet services, and the skills to navigate the online world, community members are at a significant disadvantage in accessing information and services as well as the ability to search and apply for jobs,” said Goodwill Manasota Vice President Margie Genter in the release. “The Sarasota Technology Users Group addresses all of those issues, teaching community members how to use the technology as well as providing refurbished computers for community members in need.”
Genter added, “We have at least 100 team members who have benefited from receiving computers from STUG; we are excited for this new collaboration, which not only affirms our commitment to digital equity but also reduces further waste going to area landfills.”
For more about Goodwill’s programs and services, visit experiencegoodwill.org.