Goodwill’s ReConnect programme is suffering in southwestern Pennsylvania. Donations of used computers and other electronic devices are down, leaving the non-profit organisation scrambling for work for its employees. Goodwill employs people with developmental disabilities to teach work and life skills. It also hones the skills of welfare recipients, encouraging them to enter the workforce.
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania has issued an emergency appeal to residents in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities for donations of unwanted computer systems that can be refurbished and resold, or demanufactured and recycled.
“Donations have declined, and our Computer Recycling Center is almost out of material for the clients we employ,” said David J. Tobiczyk, Goodwill’s vice president of marketing and development.
“We hope this appeal will motivate people and companies to help us out. We really need more computer donations immediately in order to keep our clients working — both from individuals and businesses and organizations that want to get rid of large quantities of computers at no cost.”
Goodwill will provide a pick up service and can also issue receipts for donated materials, which are tax deductible, Tobiczyk said. Computers that have already been refurbished are available for sale at Goodwill’s computer store at 2600 E. Carson St. in the South Side in Pittsburgh.
To date, Goodwill has processed nearly 3 million pounds of used computers and other electronic waste that might have ended up in landfills.
Since identity theft is a big issue with computers, Goodwill ensures that all hard drives are wiped clean per Department of Defense standards.
To learn more, go to Goodwill.org
Source: Pittsburgh Live
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