78 desktop computers and 31 laptop computers donated

Children’s Guardian Fund secured a donation of 78 desktop computers and 31 laptop computers which the volunteer corps at Sarasota Technology Users Group (STUG) will rebuild and provide to area youth of the local Guardian ad Litem Program. Peter Danao of the Desoto County government arranged the donation of these discarded units which will be carefully stripped of all information, a diligent practice that all donations received. The safety of the donor’s information is a critical concern.

Microsoft Corporation has donated licensing for the installation of the OFFICE Suite on all STUG refurbished units as a support of this valuable community service. Mr. Danao asked, “How do you compete in school or life without connectivity? Folks cannot even apply for a job at a Subway without a laptop or computer.”

Donated units from local families and businesses allowed STUG to provide 973 units last year, and over 17,862 units since this program began in 2002 to a diverse population throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto Counties. Mike Hutchinson, head of STUG Refurbishing Project, mentioned in this article, “Our needs never keep up with the huge demand.” The STUG group of talented selfless volunteers bring years of professional and executive experience from notable backgrounds such as IBM, L3 Technologies, and other major tech companies.

The diverse population that is supported by these many donations includes, area foster youth programs through Children’s Guardian Fund and Guardian ad Litem, Emma Booker School, Harvest House, Mothers Helping Mothers, Resurrection House, SPARCC, Sarasota Housing Authority, New Town Masonic Temple, and dozens of others. Many disadvantaged youth organizations, low-income seniors, and individuals trying to emerge from homelessness share in this needed program. Each recipient is carefully screened for their need before any laptop is provided.

As a coordinated effort with STUG, the Children’s Guardian Fund has volunteers throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto Counties who will come to a donor’s front porch to recover donated laptops in any condition. If you have one unit or hundreds, feel free to reach out, call 941.374.1107 or email our volunteers at msharff@gmail.com. All donations are tax-deductible.