Here's one thing we need to look at for '03 (from WITS via BTC/techtalk)
check out http://www.witsinc.org if you haven't previously.

" Web Innovations and Technology Services (WITS) is a non-profit
501(c)3organization that is dedicated to providing technology and
technology resources, education, and services to the underserved. We
recycle/refurbish computer technology to give back to the community what
might otherwise be thrown away."


And also see: http://www.pages-yourfavorite.com/witsinc/affiliates.htm

Gavin


-------- Original Message --------

"WITS" <witsinc@...> wrote:

>Due to the cancellation of the BTC general meeting, I thought I would explain
the Spring iniative by this email for those who have expressed interest.
>
>WITS is planning a major event in May/June to bring kids in from all the lower
income/underserved areas of St. Louis and East St. Louis. The hope is that the
event will be held a the convention center, but Missouri Athletic Club has
expressed interest in possile space donation.
>
>The event will be a day of games, workshops, fun and prizes. We will teach
seminars on how to troubleshoot computers and how to buy the right computer. The
kids will do technology based contest using hardware, software, online game
comtests, etc. Priszes will be complete new computers, peripherals etc.
>
>The goal of the event is two-fold. To get single parents some help in skill
building through training and education in technology and for some maybe get
them off welfare and get opportunties to build resumes. Second, for kids, its a
chance to see that there are healthy alternatives using technology through
training education and access to computers.
>
>We hope to also expand our Earn while you Learn program which will offer older
kids a chance to develop hardware skills while earning a complete computer.
>
>We have a sponsor from the Amazing Women of St. Louis who is interested in
donating time to plan the event, and KFC has expressed interest in providing
food.
>HOWEVER< WE need your organization co-sponsorship or dedication to promote and
help plan the event or get support for it from loca businesses. KETC and Charter
have expressed interest in promoting this in January and February.
>
>We would like this event to be free for attendees completely hosted and
sponsored by the community of St. Louis and not just large big bucks
corporations trying to look good.
>We hope to have about 1-2000 kids and give away about 500-1000 computers both
new and used.
>
>IF any of your organizations are interested, we will have a preliminary meeting
to discuss roles and tasks the week of January 6th. If you want to co-sponsor or
participate, please reply to this email and let me know.
>Angela Haas
>---
>Web Innovations & Technology Services
>Po box 220053
>Saint Louis, Mo 63122
>314-724-2181
>www.witsinc.org
>
>