Limited access to technology often inhibits equity, and the negative impact of this problem is felt most prominently in modern education. At Sarasota Technology Users Group (3949 Sawyer Road), volunteers tackle this issue by reconditioning computers and donating them to individuals and organizations in need.
Since its inception, the group has reconditioned 22,000 computers. Any computers they receive that cannot be reconditioned are recycled, saving about 70 tons of materials from ending up in the Sarasota landfill. In addition to its Sarasota hub, the group operates out of Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte, and Fort Myers counties.
Over 100 computers reconditioned monthly
Mike Hutchinson has been heading the program at the Sarasota location since 2002. Along with Hutchinson, seven other volunteers recondition the computers, three or four others source computers, and another handles phone calls and inquiries. Each volunteer commits three days a week, reconditioning more than 100 computers per month.
Hutchinson tells That’s So Sarasota that they’ve been working directly with schools since 2016. If a student is on the Free Lunch Program, they are eligible to get a computer, with teachers submitting requests on the students’ behalf. However, the group offers computers to anyone in need, not just students on the Free Lunch Program.
Extending donations to non-students, however, comes with additional challenges. To guard against bad actors and scammers, Sarasota Technology Users Group has implemented systems to ensure the right people are getting computers.
The group accepts donations and walk-ins
The Sarasota Technology Users Group accepts walk-ins on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. Those interested in donating computers to the cause or requesting one can check the guidelines on the group’s homepage here.
The group operates under its parent organization, The Patterson Foundation—a nonprofit that promotes and executes programs to improve digital access for all.
