Computer Drive Helps Employ Those with Autism and Other Disabilities

Starting January 4th, Hope Tank, local business for good, will begin collecting used computers and laptops to benefit Blue Star Recyclers and PCs for People. The local nonprofits recycle and refurbish computers, employ people with autism and other disabilities and get refurbished computers into the hands of low-income families and individuals.  Unemployment for people on the autism spectrum exceeds 80% and for disable people who are employed typically held jobs with lower earnings.
 
Hope Tank will collect used laptops and computers from January 4th- January 31st, at 64 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 (First and Broadway).
 
By sponsoring the drive and providing an in-person drop-off location Hope Tank is helping to better employ people with disabilities at a well-paying job. Hope Tank has set a goal of collecting at least 16 used computers a day for the entire month. That’s enough work to create a job for a person with autism or other disabilities at Blue Star Recyclers.
 
Asked why she chose to be a drop-off location and participate in the cause, Erika Righter says, “Blue Star Recyclers is one of our designated charities. Our customers have asked for opportunities to have deeper impact. This is a fun way to do that.”  
 
“Many of us, especially after the holidays, have computers that have become outdated and we just hold onto them because we don’t know what to do with them and we’re nervous about the data that is on them being protected,” Righter says. “These guys will wipe all the data, and give the computer either an environmentally respectful ‘end of life,’ or they will give it a whole new life, provide employment for people with barriers, and help those who most need computers in our community.”
 
About Hope Tank
 
 “I was an advocate for people with barriers as a social worker and I have committed my life to having the most impact I can. With Hope Tank I saw an opportunity to harness the power of retail to educate and inspire people to own their impact,” Righter says.
 
Hope Tank opened its doors in February of 2012 and started off selling handmade products by local artists who donated a portion of their sales to a charity of their choosing. They have since expanded their inventory to include products from all over the world, from companies that are philanthropic and environmentally responsible. Every purchase in the shop has a positive impact in the world. Hope Tank was also the winner of the 2015 Denver Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture #IMAGINE2020 Award.
 
About Blue Star Recyclers
 
Blue Star Recyclers is an award-winning, 501c3 social enterprise, with a mission of providing certified electronics recycling services to create local jobs for people with autism and other disabilities. Blue Star Recyclers delivers measurable results in job creation, taxpayer savings and environmental stewardship, and operates facilities in Colorado Springs and Denver. Blue Star Recyclers was co-founded in 2009 through initial and ongoing support of the Fagnant family, owners of Qualtek Manufacturing (www.qualtekmfg.com), a Colorado Springs custom metal manufacturing company. Blue Star offers pick-up of computers and other electronics from businesses and accepts drop-offs from individuals at the Blue Star facilities. For hours and information, go to www.BlueStarRecyclers.org, or call 303-534-1667. 
 
For more information:
 
Hope Tank http://hopetank.org/
Blue Star Recycles http://bluestarrecyclers.org/
PCs for People Ch. 9 News Coverage http://bluestarrecyclers.org/pcs-for-people.htm
 
 

Contact Information

Erika Righter

Hope Tank Founder

Linda Irwin, SeeComm Group

(1) (720) 413-8473

Erika@hopetank.org