Haitian Laptop Program a Success, Thanks to Readers Like You

World Concern worker Francoise uses a refurbished laptop to do payroll for the Cash-For-Work program, which pays unskilled laborers to clear rubble and repair homes. Photo: World Concern, InterConnection

In January, we reported on ways to get involved with Haitian earthquake relief efforts. Seven months later, we’ve learned that readers just like you made an impact in Haiti from more than 2,000 miles away.

Days after the 7.0 earthquake hit, humanitarian relief organization World Concern located surviving staff members and immediately began responding to the disaster.

But even as the organization experienced its own personal loss, its grieving staff still managed to provide blankets, plastic sheeting and emergency water supplies to other earthquake victims.

As the dust settled on the crumbled offices, World Concern knew it needed outside help in order to put its organization back together. Seattle-based InterConnection.org stepped in to aid in the rebuilding process by calling on Americans to donate laptops to be refurbished and sent to Haiti.

After word spread through the online eco-community, InterConnection received the necessary donations needed. In all, 10 laptops were sent to the World Concern offices in Haiti. InterConnection tested and refurbished all laptops and installed Windows and Office in French.

“The online system we set up to collect laptops for World Concern turned out to be an effective tool that we are using for other causes,” says InterConnection Director Charles Brennick.

“For example, we currently have a campaign to collect laptops for Boys and Girls Club youth. We also have plans to collect laptops for unemployed people who receive tech training from YWCA Seattle. Donating an old laptop for to someone in need is obviously a much greener choice than recycling it.”

While it may sound cliché, the success of the laptop donation program hinged on readers just like you, proving that one person, in fact, really can make a difference. For World Concern, these laptops were essential in rehabbing an organization that has proven to be valuable to Haitians for years.

“Imagine the loss of computers in this disaster. Schools, hospitals, NGOs would all have lost hard drives and laptops. They have no resources to replace these items,” World Concern spokesperson Susan Talbot told Earth911 in January.

“We work with orphans and vulnerable children and their caregivers. We have five offices around Haiti having sustained unknown amounts of damage. Our capacity to respond to disasters relies on our capacity to communicate not only with each other but with donors and funders, sharing beneficiary stories.”

According to Brennick, InterConnection is still accepting more laptops to be sent to World Concern in Haiti. If the laptop is less than five years old and functional, the donor will automatically receive a pre-paid mailing label that covers all shipping costs. Once the laptop is received, the donor will be sent a donation receipt for tax deduction purposes.

Related articles
Rebuilding a Sustainable Haiti
Tires Used to Build Earthquake-Resistant Homes
Medical Supplies Are Crucial But Limited in Haitian Clinics

  1. Pamela Hudson

    posted on September 9th, 2011 at 5:07 am

    Interconnection are you still refurbishing laptops?
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.

Archived Comments

  1. Jennifer Berry

    Jennifer Berry

    posted on August 11th, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    Go readers! :)

Recently Added to Electronics

  • How Printer Cartridges Are Recycled

    Despite goals to have a “paperless” office at work or at home, the reality is that many of us still frequently print everything from boarding passes to driving directions. Printer cartridges are often a sizable expense for us, and they …

  • New App Targets Illegal Dumping

    Illegal dumping is a growing problem in the U.S. and abroad. It’s difficult for agencies to keep up with the new dump sites that continue to pop up daily, but now any person with a smartphone can help.

    The TrashOut app …

  • Eco-Friendly DIY: Recycled iPad Sleeve

    Need a last minute personalized gift idea? This tutorial will leave you with a beautiful and functional iPad sleeve that definitely has a ‘made with love’ feel without having to spend a dime. (Unless, that is, you are supplying the …

Earth911

Earth911 helps consumers find local recycling information through the largest and most accurate recycling directory in the U.S. Read today's top green lifestyle tips and ideas. Learn how we help businesses.