Earth Day Electronics Drive Benefits Hundreds of Families Burdened by Digital Divide

05/12/2022

Nearly 10,000 pounds of electronics donations were collected to support PCs for People’s work of creating a more digitally equitable world. 

More than 9,750 pounds of equipment were collected during an Earth Day computer donation event to help Illinois families currently lacking digital access in their homes.

This drive supported the sourcing of computers for Illinois households that lack the at-home computer access necessary for remote learning, telemedicine, and much more. The drive also prevented used electronics from going to our landfills; electronics contribute to 50 million tons of waste each year.

Alliant, a national digital financial institution, held the event at the credit union’s Chicago corporate office. Donations of desktop computers, laptops, phones, tablets and other electronics were collected for nonprofit organization PCs for People of Illinois. All data will be permanently and securely deleted from the electronics and then refurbished to provide to communities in need. Any unusable equipment will be recycled responsibly.

"Alliant is passionate about creating a more digitally equitable world. With great partners like PCs for People, our employees, our members and the local community can take a hands-on approach to digital inclusion in Illinois. Every one of us can make an impact on the environment and our neighborhood,” said Alliant Social Impact Strategist Claire Hegstrom.

This effort builds on the success of Alliant's used electronics drives in 2021. Eight tons of computers and internet connection equipment were collected for PCs for People and the Computer Equity Network, helping over 900 Illinois families currently lacking digital access in their homes.