CLEVELAND — WKYC Studios' “Computers for Kids” campaign kicks off August 12 and goes through the end of the month. With so many schools starting the new school year off virtually, computers are critically needed for kids, especially those living in the inner city, to do their school assignments at home.
According to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, 33 to 40% of its students did not have high speed internet when the schools closed in March. The district also found 66% did not have a device other than a smartphone.
The COVID-19 pandemic really brought to light the huge problem the digital divide poses for so many families. A computer is essential, not just for school lessons but also for employment opportunities and virtual healthcare visits. That’s why we’ve partnered with the non-profit PCs for People and the Cuyahoga County Public Library to help bridge that digital divide. CrossCountry Mortgage has agreed to sponsor this collection drive.
We are ONLY collecting laptops, desktops and accessories such as cords, mice and keyboards. Nothing else can be accepted. Laptops with cameras are preferred and all donated computers should be less than 7-years-old.
Collection bins will be placed at the following library locations. On the west side: Bay Village, Berea, North Olmsted, North Royalton, and Parma will be drop off locations. On the east side, you can drop off laptops or desktops at the Beachwood, Mayfield, Solon and South Euclid library branches.
Throughout the month, the library branches will offer contactless drop-off. The PCs for People truck will be on location so you can remain socially distanced in your vehicle while your donation is unloaded. You will get a receipt. Here is a list of dates and branches for the drive-through drop-offs:
- Aug. 12, 3-6 pm, Parma Snow.
- Aug. 17, 10 am-1 pm, Bay Village
- Aug. 18, 10 am-1 pm, Beachwood
- Aug. 24, 10 am-1 pm, Solon
- Aug. 25, 10 am-1 pm, North Royalton
- Aug. 29, 10 am-1 pm, South Euclid
- Aug. 31, 4-7 pm, North Olmsted
It’s important to note that a donated laptop or desktop will have all data securely wiped and then be refurbished for distribution by PCs for People. The computers will then go to kids living in the inner city and in inner ring suburbs that meet eligibility requirements.
The “Computer for Kids” campaign is also accepting corporate donations and pick-up is free. Corporate donors can sign up at givecomputers.org or recycle@pcsforpeople.org or call Daniel Valentin of PCs for People at 216-600-0014.