b'CHARITY OF THE MONTHAZ StRUTA rizona students recycling used technology, otherwise known as Arizona strut or AZ strut was started in 1997 by Intel and Motorola. They wanted to get their used equipment out to Arizona schools and nonprofits they thought could benefit from them. They started partnering with schools and having some of their computer repair programs assist in the refurbishing efforts. In 1998 they officially became a 501c3 with the state of Arizona and started providing A+ certification training to the teachers and these programs.In 2000 they started their computer recycle day on Earth Day and have done one every year since. As of 2017, they have donated over 56,000 computers to schools and nonprofits. Theyve also supported stem programs with computer hardware and they continue to recycle all of the e-waste responsibly.The need for their devices is critical right now. AZ StRUT is experiencing increased requests for their equipment to make remote education, working from home, and connecting with healthcare resources possible. Theyre talking with several Arizona school districts about how they can quickly and effectively distribute laptops to families with students at home who need to access their online school work.By choosing to donate rather than simply recycle, you are giving your electronics a new life. Allowing them to be reused reduces the amount of energy spent on recycling the raw materials as well as the energy spent on creating new devices and the accompanying packaging and shipping. Best of all, you are taking part in giving individuals the education and opportunity to improve their lives in the field of technology.Visit one of the Batteries Plus Bulbs Stores throughout the Valley to drop off laptops and chargers. The AZ StRUT Main Facility is at 1720 W Broadway Road in Mesa. They are open for donations on Tuesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. They accept all audio or video equipment, computers and accessories, and all consumer electronics. A full list can be found at Azstrut.org. Items can also be donated at Metro Tech High School and Red Mountain High School during school hours. The need for devices is critical right now to make remote education, working from home, and connecting with healthcare resources possible.GENERAL VOLUNTEERS AND CONFIGURATORS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED. All donations to AZ StRUT are hassle-free and tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. AZ StRUT is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization.ArizonaRealCountry.com January 2021 65'