The Sequim PC Users Group is booting up its operations to donate refurbished computers to those in need.
The group has taken over from the Kiwanis of Sequim-Dungeness, which recently disbanded, and is retrofitting computers for social service groups and individuals in need.
Tom LaMure, president of the Sequim PC Users Group, said they partnered with the Kiwanis previously, taking on refurbishing after OlyPen found the project too labor-intensive for its staff. They’ve given away more than 100 computers with more en route.
LaMure said their issue now is finding those in need of a computer.
“Our goal is making modern technology a reality for everyone,” he said.
In the past, they’ve helped agencies like the Boys & Girls Club, Sequim School District, North Olympic Foster Parents Association and more.
“If an organization is helping others, we want to be able to help them as their people need,” said Charles Norman, club vice president.
Shell McGuire, formerly the Kiwanis treasurer, has joined the PC group to help repair computers and recruit agencies to take on computers.
With all donated computers, club members follow protocol and wipe off all hard drive information first unless a donor wants some information transferred to a flash drive or disk.
They’ll install Windows XP Pro unless there’s a newer operating system. LaMure said they are looking into buying licenses for Windows 8 for future computers.
Steve Solberg, a club member, said with computers they can’t repair, they’ll take as many spare parts as possible, such as video and sound cards.
The club is geared to PCs, hence the name, but they do receive some donated Apple products. Solberg said they pass them on to other Apple users who might use them or pass them on, too.
Sequim PC Users boasts 120 members and meets twice a week at a club member’s home. They volunteer at the Sequim Senior Activity Center from 1-3 p.m. Mondays to help the center’s members with computers.
They meet the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at Sequim High School, 601 N. Sequim Ave., in room E3. This month’s meeting is at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15, with a special interest group focused on building digital music playlists and burning them to CDs. RSVP to spcug1@gmail.com. Dues for members are $25 per year.
For more information on the club, visit spcug.net or call LaMure at 360-504-2166. For more information about donating/receiving a computer, call Shell McGuire at 681-0805.
