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EPA donates computers to support community groups

Release Date: 4/30/2004
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca 215-814-5567
PHILADELPHIA -- The Environmental Protection Agency has donated 18 computers to two Philadelphia community groups, HERO, Inc., and the Helen G. Sturgis Playground.

Donald S. Welsh, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator was joined by U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah at HERO’s training center in Philadelphia to announce the donations.

“When people think of the environment, they usually think of pristine rivers or scenic mountain ranges or beautiful green fields. But it’s important to remember that our cities are also an important part of our environment. It is inspiring that EPA computers are being used to enhance environmental education and environmental decision-making in these Philadelphia community groups,” Welsh explained.

EPA is donating 12 computers to HERO, Inc.(Helping Energize and Rebuild Ourselves), a community group that serves a 20-block area in the Tioga-Nicetown section in Philadelphia that has a population of more than 5,000. The group teaches senior citizens, high school students and younger children about issues that will improve their sense of community. The computers will be used to teach the importance of a healthy environment and for student research and Internet access.

EPA is also donating six computers to the Helen G. Sturgis Advisory Board, which oversees a park and community center in North Philadelphia. The organization’s mission is to promote diversity and teach the importance of community. The computers will be used for part of its curriculum that includes hands-on activities with children to teach them the importance of a clean and healthy environment.

The computer donations support EPA’s recycling program. Many electronic products such as computers contain the toxic materials, lead, cadmium and mercury. Donating or recycling surplus electronic devices encourages the safe management of potentially hazardous components found in computers and other electronics and keeps them out of our landfills.

“Donating can also put a computer, television, or cell phone in the hands of someone who really needs it and will use it,” said Welsh.

For more information on EPA’s electronics recycling program, please visit https://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/plugin/index.htm

EPA has donated used computers directly to municipalities, schools and non-profit organizations since 1996.