Free computers available for kids

Computers for Kids (CFK), is accepting applications from Coeur d’Alene area students to receive a computer for their home use.

The deadline for submitting an application is June 30. CFK will be in the area hosting their annual distribution and donation event in July; date, time, and place to be determined.

All computer systems now come with Windows 7 Pro, Office 2010 Home and Business, two educational software, and one year of free tech support. To receive a computer in July applications can be obtained from your local school; online at www.cfkidaho.org; or by calling (208) 345-0346.

Students in grades K-14 can request a computer by filling out an application and writing an essay on why they want a computer. The application, essay, and processing fee can be submitted to Computers for Kids, Inc., 8549 W. Elisa Street, Boise, ID 83709.

Computers for Kids, Inc. (CFK) is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization formed in 2002 in Boise. It is the mission of CFK to equalize the educational opportunities of school children by providing them with computers for home use.

Through the generosity of individuals and businesses CFK has distributed more than33,000 refurbished computer systems. Over concerns with identity theft, CFK partner Secure Data Sanitization, LLC (SDS) will do a “secure erase” on every donated hard drive, free of charge. SDS “secure erase” is better than the DoD’s standard wipe, the computer is never turned on, and SDS is one of only three companies in the nation able to achieve this level of security.

Any computers too old to refurbish, may contain many usable parts that can be utilized when building other systems. CFK uses all it can from donated systems and ensures that what cannot be used is properly disposed with an R2-certified recycler. CFK has recycled over 2,700 tons of electronics. Volunteers are always welcome at CFK to help build or teardown computers. They gain valuable and marketable technology experience.