Empower Up

Hopefully by now you've had a chance to visit Empower Up and meet some of the dedicated staff and volunteers that make this amazing program possible. If you haven't, try to make time soon. This program has so many facets, it's hard to explain them all. Some of the many wonderful things they've done with unwanted technology (computers, printers, etc.) include: donating video game systems and games to Marshall Center, after the center was burglarized, Donating 13 computers to local non-profits in the month of January alone, countless classes and internet cafe hours... trust me, the list goes on and on.

I also happen to know that Yours Truly sent on the wish list for the Southwest Washington Humane Society to Empower Up and they were able to help with some of their technology needs as well. What a wonderful example of great programs helping each other out, right here in Clark County.

Empower Up can always use donations-your supplies and dollars go a long way toward ensuring that EU will be around for many moons to come and will continue to support our community in the amazing ways that they do.

Empower Up Wish list (local non-profit)

Empower Up has just put out their most recent wish list. If you can help out by donating any of the following items, contact them!

Good Afternoon!

Shown below is an updated wish list for Empower Up. Donations are tax-deductible as in-kind donations. Please take a minute to review and see if you have any extra items laying about or if you could donate any of the following (we can always use gift cards!):

Wish List

Office Supplies:

• Receipt Tape for Cash Register
• Thermal Tape for Credit Card Machine

• Hanging File Folders
• Three-ring Binders (w/ Dividers, Clear Inserts, etc.)
• Letter-size Notepads / Spiral Bound Notebooks
• Colored Card Stock
• Printer Ink
• Printable Labels
• Florescent Light Bulbs
• Fine Tipped Dry Erase Markers
• Pens, Sharpies, Highlighters, Rubber Bands, Paper Clips, etc.
• Packing Tape, Masking Tape, Scotch Tape
• USB Flash Drives
• Wire-marking Labels

Kitchen Supplies

• Cups/Plates, Dishware, Sponges, Scrubbers, Towels, Trash Bags, etc.

Restroom Supplies

• Soap, Paper Towels, Hand Sanitizer, Kleenex, Toilette Paper, Air Freshener, etc.

Earth Friendly Cleaning Supplies

• Wipes, Sprays, Dish/Hand Soaps, etc.

First Aid Supplies

• Hypoallergenic Latex Free Band-Aids, Packets of Neosporin, etc.

Volunteer Appreciation Items:

• Gift Certificates / Vouchers (Coffee, Dining, Grocery, Fuel, Movies, Bus Passes, etc.)
• Food Items (Snacks, Treats, Hot Drinks, Pizzas, etc.)
• T-Shirts for volunteers and staff (approx $600)

Gift Certificates for Miscellaneous Purchases

• Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples
• Home Depot, Lowes
• Cash and Carry, Fred Meyer, Walmart, Costco, etc.

One Time Items

• Locking Cabinets
• Office Chairs
• Name Tags
• Deco. / Small Art Pieces/Plants
• Clocks
• Multi-pot Coffee Maker
• Rechargeable AA/AAA/C/D Batteries (w/ Charger)
• Electronics Vacuum Cleaner(s)
• Label Maker
• Cork Bulletin Board
• Small Step Ladder
• Storage Totes
• Components to Repair Computers
• Network Tester
• Stripper/Crimper/Tool Set for Networking
• Power Supply Tester
• Shelves

 Thank you!! 

Vancouver, WA FREE computer class!

free GIS class!

I've posted about the CREAM program and their free computer classes before. There's a really great GIS class coming up that I would totally be signing up for, if I wasn't already giving tours that day. You should sign up for this class!

GIS Class Info: (Call 360-735-0888 to sign up)

Local computer reuse non-profit, CREAM (Computer Reuse Education And Marketing) is hosting several classes over the next few weeks including “What is GIS” taught by GIS expert, Ken Loveall. This class will cover types of spatial data, map layers and themes, local property information, and how to transfer this information to other databases and online tools.

CREAM's Education Program offers free computer education classes to the public. Please call 360-735-0888 during business hours to sign up for classes or get further information by going to http://www.upgradeyourcommunity.org/education.html. Only preregistered participants will be allowed to attend classes.

Upcoming Computer Classes
What is a GIS? Come explore the fascinating world of digital mapping on the web! Learn about geographic information systems and data and how to use Clark County's online maps application. Saturday March 27, 11am to 12:30 pm.

Intro to the Web is a beginning computer class intended for seniors but open to all who want to start using the World Wide Web. This class is held on alternate Thursday and Saturday mornings. Please call for more information.

Google Docs Beginning class on word processing using the online word application Google Docs. Often this class focuses on using Google Docs for resume formatting. This class is held the second Thursday of the month. Please call for more information.

Apple Van, Vancouver's MUG (Mac Users Group) holds their monthly meeting at our Education Center the last Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 8:30pm.

Open Clinic for PC and other MS Windows products, hosted by the Clark College Help Desk. This clinic is facilitated by William Hafer, Instructor of Computer Technology at Clark College and held 2nd Saturday of the Month from 10am to 12pm.

About CREAM:CREAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that diverts used electronics from the waste stream in order to upgrade our community. Working with our partners: Clark County, The City of Vancouver, Clark College, The Salvation Army and Waste Connections, CREAM is able to make low cost computers and electronics available to the public. Proceeds from sales support free Internet access and education to the local community. For more information see: http://www.upgradeyourcommunity.org/.

Additional Information:
CREAM - Computer Reuse Education And Marketing
Electronics Donation Center and Thrift Store

5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Suite F

Vancouver, WA 98661
360-735-0888

computer reuse contest

Following in the vein of yesterday's post about ways to reuse e-waste, the author of the book is sponsoring a contest to see who can come up with the best way to reuse dead electronics. There's some great projects on there already. Go check 'em out!

Also, if reusing electronics isn't your game, but you still want to enter a contest, consider mine. :D (shameless self-plug done.)

Dead computer? Reuse it!

If you aren't lucky enough to have a program for e-waste in your community (or even if you are) this book looks pretty awesome. 62 ways to reuse discarded electronics.

Free computer classes

If you're fortunate enough to live in this area, check out the free computer classes offered by CREAM-Computer Reuse Education and Marketing.