My Story: Sekeno Aldred

April 19, 2010 | By Jenni Baker | Subscribe to "My Story" RSS

I was spring cleaning this year, and uncovered a dusty old computer that was just taking up space in my hall closet. I’d replaced it with a newer model three years ago, but never got around to getting rid of it.

I’d heard about the Reconnect computer recycling program through my job at Goodwill Industries International, so I visited the Reconnect web site to see what would happen to my computer after I dropped it off at my local Goodwill^®.

First, I found out that they take computers in any condition. That was a big plus, since mine had a few start-up problems. At Goodwill, employees repair and resell a computer whenever possible. And if it can’t be fixed, they’ll disassemble it and recycle the parts. I felt good knowing that my old PC wouldn’t end up as e-waste in a landfill.

So I boxed up the computer and headed off to my Goodwill’s donation center. When I drove up with my computer, Goodwill employees took the computer off my hands and gave me a receipt to use next year at tax time.

I was glad I could help protect the environment this way, and at the same time help Goodwill provide good jobs and make a little money to support other programs in my community.

I’m so glad my old computer could do all that — and I’m glad to have my closet back, too!

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11 Comments

1. Beth Perell April 19th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

   Thanks for the reminder.  I have an old computer in the basement taking up space that I need to take to Goodwill

   Reply
2. elizbeth April 19th, 2010 at 4:27 pm

   good for you!!!

   Reply
3. Tamekia April 19th, 2010 at 6:24 pm

   I just wanted to say that was nice and is that all u have to do and how long did it take u to get the job.

   Reply
4. Gary Aldred April 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am

   Way to go baby, playing your part in protecting the environment.

   Reply
5. BRENDA EDWARDS April 21st, 2010 at 11:25 pm

   IM GLAD TO HERE THAT GOODWILL DO RECONDITION COMPUTERS I HAVE ON THAT HAS BEEN SETTING AROUND FOR THREE YEARS THAT RUNS SLOW.

   Reply
6. BRENDA EDWARDS April 21st, 2010 at 11:28 pm

   THANKS GOODWILL I’M GLAD TO HERE THAT YOU DO RECONDITION COMPUTERS I HAVE ONE THAT HAS BEEN SETTING AROUND FOR THREE YEARS.

   Reply
7. Maria Williams April 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm

   I just tried to drop off two computers at the Bensalem store. They don’t accept them.  I was told they only accept them in the Philadelphia and South Jersey stores. Call ahead.

   Reply
8. Jenni Baker April 23rd, 2010 at 1:02 pm

   There are currently nearly 2,000 Goodwill locations that accept computer donations through the Reconnect program. To locate a Goodwill store that accepts computers near you, visit http://reconnectpartnership.com/ and enter your zip code in the Find a Drop-Off Location box.

   Reply
9. Ruth Bell April 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm

   Do they make sure any “data” is wiped off or do you have to do that yourself before you take it in (if you have personal data not to be shared)?

   Reply
10. Jenni Baker April 23rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    Hi Ruth:

    Goodwill encourages donors to do their part and remove all personal data from their computers when possible.  However, Goodwill agencies that refurbish and resell  laptop and desktop computers or individual hard drives in their retail stores are required to wipe the hard drive to Department of Defense standards or completely destroy the hard drive. In addition, as one of Dell’s environmental partners, Goodwill is required to destroy hard drives that cannot be resold.

    You can see a video of hard drive destruction in action by visiting this link: http://links.goodwill.org/headlines/2010041903

    Jenni Baker
    Communications Specialist, Goodwill Industries International

    Reply
11. Dawnette McNeil April 30th, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    Way to go Suke!!!….good for you!!

    Reply