LEAF Commercial Capital (“LEAF”) recently announced its new partnership with Computers For Kids, a charitable organization that recycles and refurbishes used computer equipment for the benefit of schools and children in need. “This is precisely the kind of program we want to become involved with,” said Miles Herman, COO of LEAF. “The benefits to our community—and our future—are enormous. Today, understanding how to effectively use technology is a core skill necessary for success in life. Computers for Kids helps children to develop those skills. We are proud to be working with them in this important endeavor.”
The affiliation with Computers for Kids of America is an example of LEAF’s commitment to giving back to the community, a cornerstone of LEAF 360°, the company’s strategic operational framework. “We believe that social responsibility is an essential element of our culture,” said Mr. Herman. “We continuously dedicate significant time and resources to our region, and encourage our employees to do the same. For LEAF, giving back to the community isn’t just a marketing message. We take our commitment to do this very seriously, and have made it a part of our corporate mission to take an active role helping those in need in many different ways.”
A 501(c) 3 charity, Computers for Kids of America (C4K) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the education and computer skills of America’s youth by bridging the gap between those willing to give and those in need. Co-founded by Mark DeTroia, the organization’s president, C4K specializes in a unique process called upcycling. According to the C4K website, upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. This concept is at the heart of our social programs and is part of our foundation as an organization. Recycling is great but Upcycling can change lives.
Michelle Speranza, Vice President, Marketing and Communications for LEAF stated this is the kind of program that everyone can get involved with. “LEAF is donating a tremendous amount of equipment to C4K,” said Ms. Speranza. “But this program can work for businesses of any size and individuals as well. You can donate a few items or an entire truckload, any unused equipment lying around your office or your home can be put to good use by Computers for Kids.”
Because understanding how to use technology is a core necessity for success today, Computers for Kids has created a community center that offers educational and vocational training on donated equipment. The organization also manages an ambitious upcycling program to repair, refurbish and redistribute donated equipment to those in need. The program not only helps to provide essential technology skills to children, but it also reduces environmental stress by reusing equipment that would otherwise simply be discarded. It’s a win-win for both children in need and the environment as well. Additionally, all data is wiped from the computer hard drives using a Department of Defense (DoD) 26 wipe system. C4K guarantees its partners that the donated equipment will not end up in a landfill, or overseas.
The actual process of recycling the computer equipment is handled by C4K’s recycling partner, Thanks For Being Green, LLC, doing business as Magnum Computer Recycling. Magnum is an approved Class D electronic waste recycling facility whose mission is to heighten the public’s awareness of recycling computer equipment and electronics. Computers for Kids relies on Magnum Computer Consulting to ensure that no scrap material from donated equipment is improperly disposed of.
To find out more about Computers For Kids, visit the organization’s website at www.c4kamerica.com. You can get involved by donating your unwanted computer equipment, or by volunteering your time.
LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. ("LEAF") is an independent equipment leasing and finance company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. LEAF serves the small- to mid-ticket equipment finance marketplace, specializing in information technology, telecommunications, office-automation, light industrial, healthcare and other business-essential assets. LEAF assists vendors to transform sales financing into a revenue generating strategy. For more information on LEAF, please visit www.LEAFnow.com.