Older computers get second life
The world of technology is constantly evolving. With continuous upgrades to both hardware and software, people are buying new computers more often. Therefore, the problem of finding new homes for older computers arises.
Now, there is a way to put an older computer to good use. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul store in Uniontown accepts computers as donations.
“People can donate their computer to the store. We clean and restore them and then resell them,” said John Martinelli, volunteer computer restorer for St. Vincent.
Martinelli’s involvement with St. Vincent happened when his daughter was working on service hours for her school.
“My daughter needed service hours while she was attending Holy Rosary School,” said Martinelli. “She volunteered at St. Vincent, and they asked me if I knew anything about computers. I told them yes, and they showed me all the computers they had. I then started working on the computers.”
Today, Martinelli works with volunteer Amy Urani of Uniontown, who has 10 years of software experience, to refurbish the computers to be sold to the public. While he works on cleaning and updating the hardware, Urani works on uploading new software.
Computer packages include a computer tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse, a version of Windows XP and some basic programs for $120. A more extensive package for $150 will include everything that is in the previous package but also will include a DVD player and compact disc burner. However, for serious gamers, the price tag on the computer could go significantly higher.
“These computers will not play the high-end games,” said Martinelli. “If you want a high-end graphics card, we can put it on for you, but those will run you around $1,000 to $2,000.”
St. Vincent does not only work on refurbishing donated computers, they also will fix and update a person’s current computer. The only charge to repair a computer is a $35 donation to the St. Vincent store. However, if new software or hardware is needed, the customer will have to cover the charge.
A few changes have occurred with the St. Vincent’s computer program. The trailer that houses the computer office has received a facelift. A fresh coat of brown paint adorns the trailer, and soon an apron will be added to cover the support system.
One of the biggest additions to the computer program at St. Vincent is its partnership with the United Way of South Fayette.
St Vincent will donate at least two computers a year to be distributed to various agencies that are part of the local United Way network. It will then be up to the individual agency to decide if the computer will stay at the agency for community members to use or if the computer should be placed directly into the home of a selected family with school-age children. The only obligation the recipient family would have is to take the computer back to St. Vincent for any repairs.
“The goal of the program is to promote education for these kids,” said Susan Quinn of the United Way. “We really want the kids to use the computers to better their education.”
To donate a computer to St. Vincent de Paul, call 724-439-9660 during the week and 724-439-9660 on Saturdays. Customers are always welcome to visit the computer office on Saturday between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. The office can be contacted by e-mailing stvincentcomputerrepair@yahoo.com.