Friday, April 29, 2005

 

Free Computers

The Virtual Scavenger Project

In 1997, John Crooks created a safe haven where previously unwanted computers could find a home. The Virtual Scavengers Project donates a computer to volunteers who come in and work in their warehouse for four consecutive Saturdays (they provide lunch for the five-hour shift). They also sell used computers starting at $25, and have a training program for those who are looking to improve their computer skills (for some training services they charge a small fee). They train about 100 unemployed and low-income men and women in Indianapolis every year. The Project has two principal goals: to reuse as much as possible, and to keep anything from a landfill. Their staff is entirely volunteered and, since 1997, they have refurbished and redistributed about 10,000 computers, as well as trained about 300 workers, 30 of whom now have jobs in the field of technology.

The Virtual Scavenger Project has partnerships with both Training, Inc., which helps to train unemployed or under-employed workers with job skills they need; and Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, which provides veterans with skills to re-enter the workforce.

The Project mainly works with computers, but will take other electronics to keep them out of landfills. Drop-offs will be accepted for free; due to the fluctuating number of volunteers at any given time, VSP charges for pick-ups, depending on the load’s size. If they cannot refurbish the equipment, VSP will take it apart and recycle as much as possible. The rest of the material goes to Geeks “R” Us, a program for volunteers and students to build anything from jewelry to robots with the remains. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about the Virtual Scavenger Project, located at 754 N. Sherman Drive, call 317-917-9111, or e-mail vscav@indyweb.net.



The Virtual Scavenger Project

In 1997, John Crooks created a haven where previously unwanted computers could find a home. The Project donates a computer to volunteers who come in and work in their warehouse for four consecutive Saturdays (they provide lunch for the five hour shift}. They also sell used computers staffing at $25, and have a training program for those looking to improve their computer skills (for some training services they charge a small fee).

They train about 100 unemployed and low-income men and women every year. The Project has two principal goals: to reuse as much as possible, and to keep anything from a landfill. Their staff is entirely volunteered and since 1997, they have refurbished and redistributed about 10,000 computers, as well as trained about 300. The Virtual Scavenger Project has partnerships with both Training, Inc., which helps to employed workers with job skills they need; and Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, which provides veterans with skills.

The Project mainly works with computers, but will take other electronics. If you would like to volunteer or learn more:

The Scavenger Project, located at 754 N. Sherman Drive, or call 317-917-9111; or e-mail vscav@indyweb.net.








Free Computers for the Disabled in Indianapolis Posted by Hello



<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?