PCs for People to Refurbish, Recycle 350 Devices for Low-Income Families
Baltimore, MD – PCs for People – Maryland and the Aegon Transamerica Foundation have teamed up to bolster efforts to close the digital divide in Maryland.
Transamerica will donate its retired comput
ers and technology to PCs for People’s e-waste recycling and ITAD (IT asset disposition) services. Computers that can be refurbished will be delivered to low-income children and families in Maryland, while non-working or outdated equipment will be recycled, with the proceeds benefiting the nonprofit’s technical support services, subsidized internet access, and upcoming digital literacy programs.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced how the disparities in digital connectivity are undermining efforts in equity and educational access,” said Bradie Barr, Chair, Aegon Transamerica Foundation—Baltimore Committee. “The efforts by PCs for People to close the digital divide, as well as their leading sustainability and recycling practices, align perfectly with the Aegon Transamerica Foundation’s focus on supporting the communities where we live and work.”
While the pandemic has increased the need for computers, internet access, and training, it has also provided greater opportunities for companies like Transamerica to contribute to PCs for People’s efforts. “Through our work with PCs for People, we are able to put our unneeded equipment to good use,” said Barr. “Many organizations may find themselves in a similar situation, and we are glad PCs for People provides a way to distribute retired devices to families who really need them.”
As part of PCs for People’s AAA NAID certified data sanitization services, the contents of Transamerica’s hard drives will be safely wiped according to DOD, NIST, and HIPAA standards.
“Thanks to Transamerica, 350 devices will find new life connecting families and individuals to the employment opportunities, government services, and educational resources that come with high-quality computers and reliable internet access,” said Gary Bonner, Executive Director of PCs for People – Maryland. “Many of the resources needed to close the digital divide are already right here in Maryland with companies and organizations regularly retiring devices that can make a huge difference in the fight for equity. Transamerica is taking the lead and setting a great example for the rest of our city and state.”
From this hub of computer refurbishing, recycling, and distribution, PCs for People, will work to provide computers, wi-fi hotspots, and training to the more than 400,000 families in Maryland who lack digital connectivity.
Since July, the organization has delivered more than 1,500 computers and hotspots to low-income families and individuals across Maryland. All equipment was donated or purchased through grants from local companies and organizations. PCs for People – Maryland will start hosting computer training sessions at its Baltimore location this year.
Organizations replacing or disposing of computer equipment should contact PCs for People and take advantage of free pickup, NAID AAA-certified data sanitization, and EPA-recognized recycling practices. Donations are tax-deductible.
About PCs for People – Maryland
PCs for People is a nonprofit social enterprise that strives to close the digital divide by offering high-quality preowned computers, low-cost mobile internet service, and digital education to low-income families. Through free IT asset disposition and secure electronics recycling services, PCs for People – Maryland offers pickup of retired computers and technology for businesses and organizations throughout the region. Refurbished computers are delivered to low-income children and families in Maryland. Non-working or outdated equipment is recycled, with proceeds benefiting digital literacy programs, technical support services, and subsidized internet access.
