Class puts old computers to good use

(From left) Jordan Gonterman, senior, Nate Eichman, sophomore, and Thomas Palmer, sophomore, work on refurbishing used computers Monday at North Callaway High School.
(From left) Jordan Gonterman, senior, Nate Eichman, sophomore, and Thomas Palmer, sophomore, work on refurbishing used computers Monday at North Callaway High School.

Computer technology students at North Callaway High School have come up with a way to find old computers a home.

With parts from recycled computer systems and a little elbow grease and know-how, students are creating workable computers that are then donated to persons in need.

As Thomas Palmer, sophomore, worked on a computer Monday afternoon, he explained that his class is working to have several systems completed before Christmas. Those computers will go to a list of students who are in need of a computer. Palmer said he thinks the program is "a good thing" and works well for him because he learns about computer parts while helping others.

The computer technology class is a part of North Callaway's Partners in Learning Afterschool Program that started Sept. 13. The class partners with Kingdom Projects, Inc. to collect used electronic parts. Any parts they can't use are given back to KPI for recycling.

Brian Jobe, afterschool program director, said through the class's efforts, 2.4 tons of e-waste has been saved from going to a landfill. NCHS accepts recyclable electronics by appointment and KPI accepts them as well.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.