The devices collected will be donated to nursing care and rehabilitation facilities, as well as to youth-serving organizations to help students attend classes remotely.
With the presence of Covid-19 often placing a computer or tablet screen in between daily work, school, and social interactions, there is an imminent need for reliable technology. That’s why Fairfield University’s Center for Social Impact is collecting new or used personal electronic devices for their community partner organizations experiencing an increased need for laptops, netbooks, and tablets.
Andrea Canuel, associate director of community-engaged learning for the Center for Social Impact, said the need for this gently used technology is more prevalent than ever as the Center’s community partners work diligently to adapt their programming and services to virtual formats.
“When we launched our Community Partner Needs Assessment Survey in the spring, we heard from several organizations who were eager to provide devices so that clients could connect virtually,” she said. “We heard from local nursing homes and rehab facilities, whose residents were no longer able to receive in-person visits from family, and asked for tablets so that staff at the facility could help them videoconference with their families. We heard from youth-serving organizations, who were looking to adapt tutoring and mentoring programs or were supporting families in connecting their children to distance learning from their schools.”
The collected equipment will be donated to locations such as Northbridge Healthcare Center — a Covid-19-specific rehabilitation facility, and St. Martin de Porres Academy, a faith-based, tuition-free middle school in New Haven, Conn., among others.
The Center is asking that all laptops, netbooks, and tablets be cleared of personal data prior to donation. Each device will be examined by staff in Fairfield’s ITS department to ensure that all personal information has been removed.
Donations will be accepted at Canisius 200 on Wednesday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, as well as Wednesday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Those who wish to donate but are unable to bring their items to campus are asked to contact Center for Social Impact Administrative Coordinator Mary Crimmins at mcrimmins@fairfield.edu to arrange an alternative.
Andrea Canuel, associate director of community-engaged learning for the Center for Social Impact, said the need for this gently used technology is more prevalent than ever as the Center’s community partners work diligently to adapt their programming and services to virtual formats.
“When we launched our Community Partner Needs Assessment Survey in the spring, we heard from several organizations who were eager to provide devices so that clients could connect virtually,” she said. “We heard from local nursing homes and rehab facilities, whose residents were no longer able to receive in-person visits from family, and asked for tablets so that staff at the facility could help them videoconference with their families. We heard from youth-serving organizations, who were looking to adapt tutoring and mentoring programs or were supporting families in connecting their children to distance learning from their schools.”
The collected equipment will be donated to locations such as Northbridge Healthcare Center — a Covid-19-specific rehabilitation facility, and St. Martin de Porres Academy, a faith-based, tuition-free middle school in New Haven, Conn., among others.
The Center is asking that all laptops, netbooks, and tablets be cleared of personal data prior to donation. Each device will be examined by staff in Fairfield’s ITS department to ensure that all personal information has been removed.
Donations will be accepted at Canisius 200 on Wednesday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, as well as Wednesday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. Those who wish to donate but are unable to bring their items to campus are asked to contact Center for Social Impact Administrative Coordinator Mary Crimmins at mcrimmins@fairfield.edu to arrange an alternative.
