Free Geek

Free Geek Twin Cities is a program that rebuilds/refurbishes old computers (and other geek hardware) and gives them to low-income individuals who can use them. "Helping the Needy get Nerdy," is a tag line in the promotional video on their site. Gotta love that.

Any components that are too old or damaged to be useful are instead recycled in the most environmentally sound way possible. The program also encourages learning about computers through volunteering at the center (for example, one way to earn a free computer is to build computers as a volunteer).

The program is moving into a new location and isn't open to the public during its move, but is looking for donations. So, if you have an old PC (or cell phone, or printer, or camera) laying around the house/office, and think to yourself, "It's old, but it's still useable. It seems a shame just to throw it away," don't! Donate it to Free Geek instead.

Once the program is in full swing in its new location, I'd encourage you to share the program with learners who might benefit from Free Geek services.

Creative Commons licensed image from Flickr user deanj.