Supporting local schools ...

by Ann Bucy

SBJ Contributing Writer

Companies that need to get rid of old computers to make way for newer, faster ones can get a tax break, and help Springfield's public schools, through the Technology Today program and the Springfield Public Schools Foundation.

The Technology Today program receives annual support from John Q. Hammons. That money is used to fund the purchase of equipment and parts to refurbish and upgrade donated computers and get them ready for the classroom.

Through Technology Today, businesses and individuals are encouraged to make tax-deductible donations of computer equipment to benefit the Springfield Public Schools.

Donated equipment is brought to Doug Pitt, part owner of Service World, and his employees. They assess the equipment and then make the necessary repairs and upgrades.

Minimum specifications for computer donations include:

?IBM compatible processor of 486DX or greater

?Color VGA computer monitors

?Laser or ink jet printers

?Keyboards

?Functional parts from the above listed equipment

This is Pitt's fourth year to be involved with the program. In fact, it was his idea. "I thought about the customers with surplus" computers, he said. "Then I approached the executive director of the foundation about it."

The Springfield Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises, manages and distributes private investment to benefit the students of Springfield's public schools.

Recently, Alltel donated 25 computers to the program. Ten of them were refurbished and on Feb. 18, they were officially donated to Weller Elementary. The remaining 15 computers will be distributed among four other elementary schools in the district.

The program has donated computers to numerous other area schools including Kickapoo, Jarrett, Boyd and Cherokee. Many students have made cards thanking Pitt and the other Service World employees for the computers.

For more information about donating used computer equipment, contact Doug Pitt at Service World, 1409 W. Sunshine.

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