We first learned of the need for refurbished computers for Hurricane Katrina Victims in October 2005 from the MAR (Microsoft Authorized Reburbisher) program, of which we are a member.

http://www.techsoup.org/mar/default.aspx

The initial request read:

Request for 1,000 Computers to Go to Baton Rouge, LA

The Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council (CACRC) is a non-profit electronic recycler/refurbisher currently helping in the Hurricane relief effort. The demand is ever growing for computers. Displaced non-profits from New Orleans and the southern parishes are in need of computers for start-up. Shelters from Louisiana and Mississippi are asking for computers and there will be a long term need for displaced families to have computers in their new homes. The FEMA trailer parks will need to have technology available as well.

The CACRC would like to be able to provide at a minimum 200 computers to non-profits, 300 to 500 to shelters around the region (we had a request for 100 today), and another 500 for displaced families. We have ~ 100 computers on hand.

We can use Pentium II and up with working monitors. Our warehouse can upload and download pallets of equipment. The CACRC can provide a letter of donation to any donor requiring one.

Thanks for your assistance in this. Help down this way is deeply appreciated. We are in this for the long haul.

Sincerely,

Nancy Jo Craig

Executive Director

CACRC

225 379-3577

Njcwings@aol.com

BGAMUG, having had a refurbishing and PC Placement program in effect since 1996, our membership immediately investigated and authorized the project.

We launched a campaign to obtain computers and raise money from members, area businesses, and other organizations with press releases and TV appearances.

Within a month we had enough computers to restore plus $945 donated to finance the trip and delivery costs.

Many hours of testing, sorting, and making technical adjustments to the donated computers was accomplished by members and volunteers under the supervision of our PC Placement Program Director Gene Iglehart.