I vote for first time computers….we’re an online community that may have extra computer equipment to donate in addition to whatever money we raise – doubling our positive impact!

…and as we are all aware – not having a computer is like a lead weight around your neck if you’re trying to get yourself or your kids into a better place in the world.

I don’t know a whole lot about the other organizations, but I just wanted to say that the guy at First Time Computers was extremely pleasant when I brought in my old desktop tower. It was rather old and I didn’t think they’d be that excited to receive it, but he sounded geniunely grateful. I agree with El Gringo that people without computers — especially teenagers and young adults– are going to really be held back in society unless they get one. And FTC is recycling old equipment that a lot of people would normally toss in the trash.

I agree with El Gringo’s sentiments. I vote for First Time Computer.

I vote for Heads Up. They have great programs for kids after school and in the summer.

First time computers!!!

Thanks, PoP, for including my nomination: EFFORTS.

They are a great group of people. Helping ex-offenders re-enter society productively may not be the ‘sexiest’ or most glamorous cause, but it has a huge impact on many individual lives and on the community as whole. I cast my vote for them.

Martha’s Table…

Full disclaimer: I used to work for Heads Up as a fundraiser. But I liked the program and working with kids so much that I recently finished my master’s in school counseling and hope to be securing a public school position by next fall.

Heads Up pairs college students and community members to run out-of-school time programs in the elementary schools. Not only does it help the elementary students stay safe after school, they also get a group of young, hip, energetic role models at a time of day when most of the adults around them (teachers and parents) are already spent from a long day of work. Many of those college students go on to become teachers and community activists as a result of their involvement.

Another vote for FirstTimeComputers…but in the interest of full disclosure, I founded and run ABC Charter School at 209 Upshur and we have received some computers from them – we received high quality fast machines for our our student to use to support their education. It is a truly wonderful organization.

Heads Up

I vote for Heads Up.

I vote for Head’s Up