- Are computers really free for the children?
- What happens if a child’s computer breaks?
- Does C4K have to buy software for the PCs?
- What is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher?
- Is my donation tax deductible?
- Do you need anything other than PCs?
- Can my company donate PCs? Money? Volunteers?
- What kind of skills do your volunteers need?
- My computer is not likely usable. Do I have to pay C4K to recycle my machine?
- My brother/sister/cousin/neighbor needs a PC. Are they eligible?
- My brother/sister/cousin/neighbor has a lot of money. Will you take it?
- Will you really take any old PC?
- If you give a child a PC, won’t they just use it to play on the Internet?
- Why do you suggest a donation? Aren’t you really just charging me a fee?
- I have a PC to donate. Will you come pick it up?
Are computers really free for the children?
We do ask for a small fee to help cover the expenses of building the computer and insuring that it is installed with a genuine copy of a Windows Operating system. However, these fees are often waived depending on need.
What happens if a child’s computer breaks?
We offer a 90 repair warranty on all give away systems. These systems are tracked using a computerized inventory system so we know exactly when it was given away. After the 90 days, service can be done on a system for a small fee, dependent on income.
Does C4K have to buy software for the PCs?
Yes. All computers leave the C4K with fully licensed software. Because C4K is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, we are able to get licensed software for reasonable cost. While we buy the software at a discounted price, there still is a cost on our behalf to prepare a computer for donation. Any cash donation you wish to bring it, will help offset these costs greatly!
What is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher?
n May 2010, Microsoft launched the Registered Refurbisher Program, which is a program tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized refurbishers who want to deliver genuine preinstalled Microsoft software licenses to their customers on the PCs they refurbish.
The new program replaced the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (Community MAR) program. Like the Community MAR program, the Registered Refurbisher Program is designed for computer refurbishers, but 501(c)(3) nonprofits are encouraged to apply to the program if they intend to refurbish donated PCs and need full-version Windows XP and Microsoft Office licenses for their own computers. By the way, Computer4Kids is the only member of this program in the Billings area.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, it is! We give you a receipt for your donation, and you figure the deduction amount based on the fair market value of the equipment. The IRS provides some guidelines on how to do this.
Do you need anything other than PCs?
Like most nonprofits, we need more things than we could possibly list. But computer supplies, tools, cash, and volunteers top the list. Check with us to see if we have any specific current needs.
Can my company donate PCs? Money? Volunteers?
Yes, yes, yes! If you don’t have the time, we can clean your corporate machines using Active@ KillDisk – Hard Drive Eraser (www.killdisk.com). We would also be glad to have your donations to help defray our costs. Finally, if you’ve got staff that love what we’re doing, we would be happy to have them help us out. You can show your corporate responsibility by allowing them a couple paid hours a week to work with us.
What kind of skills do your volunteers need?
We spend a lot of time tearing down and rebuilding PCs. IT employees are usually quite good at this. But we also need other skills. If you can help raise funds, write grants, represent C4K at events, or sit at a reception desk and answer the phone, we could use your help.
My computer is not likely usable. Do I have to pay C4K to recycle my machine?
We do charge a small fee to help ease the costs of the recycling process. Our main goal is to prepare computers for the at-risk youth located in Yellowstone county and to keep the scrap out of the landfill. We recycle whatever we can. By using C4K to recycle your unusable items, you are helping us go GREEN! We are also, the ONLY non-profit in Billings that recycles these items, so not only are you helping the environment, you are helping many children in our County! We do not have the capability to recycle raw materials at our location, we send all recyclable materials to outside recyclers that meets our criteria and standards as far as being green and environmentally friendly! See the “Help Fund C4K” page for suggested amounts.
My brother/sister/cousin/neighbor needs a PC. Are they eligible?
If they have a need, are not able to get a PC using their own resources, and will be using it mainly for their educational pursuits, then they may be eligible. Fill out an application on the “Request a PC” page You can always stop by our location at 2110 1st Ave N. Billings to fill out an application. We don’t just help kids! We help everyone who fills out an application and meets the criteria.
My brother/sister/cousin/neighbor has a lot of money. Will you take it?
YES! We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their donation is fully tax deductible.
Will you really take any old PC?
Yes. While we do take ”any old PC” there is a small fee for unusable or broken items. See the “Help Fund C4K” page for suggested amounts.
If you give a child a PC, won’t they just use it to play on the Internet?
Hopefully! The children we give PCs to use their computers for homework, research, games, and browsing the Internet. None of these things would be possible for them if not for C4K and your donations.
Why do you suggest a donation? Aren’t you really just charging me a fee?
Unfortunately, Computer4Kids has a lot of expenses that can’t be paid with computer equipment. The suggested donation or fee is entirely your decision, but we appreciate any assistance you can provide to help us serve the children of our community.
I have a PC to donate. Will you come pick it up?
We have a trailer that can be used to pick up large batches of donations. We will pick up individual donations of PCs for a $15 fee.
