Peg FischerIn 1997, Crayons to Computers opened, and Peg Fischer was one of the first at the door to try to get free computers for her school. The teacher free store, located in Norwood, Ohio, distributed pencils, crayons, paper, and other essential school supplies. But they also provided computers…which were just starting to appear in classrooms.
Some schools even had (gasp!) a LAB of computers, where an entire class could engage in writing, researching and online learning at the same time. Sadly, Crayons to Computers limited the distribution of computers to one per teacher. That wouldn’t be enough for a lab at Holy Trinity School. After a prolonged discussion, Peg was told, “Come back on Saturday and see Joe.”
Enter Joe McGuire, a GE employee who volunteered at Crayons after hours cleaning, repairing and refurbishing the computers that made their way to the shelves at Crayons. When Peg and her husband, Walt, showed up at Crayons that Saturday, they learned that a Ford Explorer can hold enough computers for a lab! And only two more loads were needed to bring the monitors, mice and keyboards back to her school. A beautiful lab was set up in the library at Holy Trinity and was enjoyed by students for years.
“Lab in a Can”
Joe McGuireWalt and Joe hit it off, and soon they were working together on Saturdays getting those computers ready. And wondering about how other schools would get computers for their labs. The “Lab in a Can” concept started to develop.
At the same time, Crayons to Computers was HUGELY successful, and bursting at the seams.Their founder suggested to Joe and Peg that maybe they could found their own non-profit and handle the computer production. And that’s what happened! Dave Ranochak, another GE employee and member of the philanthropic Elfun group, joined the team. The General Electric Elfun group jumped on this opportunity for service, funding a half-time director position for 2 years as well as computers and a facility for a year. At the end of that time, Guardian & Union Savings Banks contributed the monthly rent cost, giving the new nonprofit time to develop policies, procedures and a sound business plan.
Walt FischerAfter an initial effort getting a nonprofit off the group, the Cincinnati Computer Cooperative was founded in 2002 with the mission to get computers into the hands of students and nonprofits while giving businesses an alternative to dumping used equipment into landfills. Many local businesses became regular contributors of quality equipment. Several banks provided support through Community Reinvestment Grants, and CCC became a popular provider of tech equipment for schools, churches and area social service agencies.
Microsoft supported the effort through their Registered Refurbisher program, which allowed CCC to purchase Microsoft licenses at a greatly discounted price. All computers sold at Cincinnati have licensed software.
Selling Computers to Seniors, Students, Low Income Individuals
Pizza, Mt. Dew, and donuts fuel the work of our great volunteers on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Additional board members joined and Microsoft expanded their program to allow sales to sales to targeted groups, CCC began selling computers to seniors, students and low income individuals…and the program grew.
Up to 25 volunteers, mostly high school and college students, would show up to Wednesday evening and Saturday morning work sessions, where pizza, Mt. Dew and donuts fueled the work.
Our triage process was the perfect opportunity for hands-on experience with computers. Our first part-time program coordinator, Mary Winfree, was hired in 2008, followed by Daniel Meek in 2012.
Like many companies, the COVID-19 pandemic meant change in business practices. Executive Director, Frank Adams, assembled a small team of employees to manage production, sales and marketing to replace our volunteer workforce. Computers were flying off the shelves as students and adults needed them to work remotely or to find jobs.
The 'New' Cincinnati Computer Reuse
Fast forward to 2023 … we lost Frank to illness. The board decided to reboot, refresh and rename.
Today we are continuing our original mission under the name Cincinnati Computer Reuse. This name speaks more clearly to what we do. Our mission to provide a safe option for businesses who need to clear our unused computer equipment and to get the best of that equipment cleaned, refurbished and into the hands of those who need it.
Anyone can buy one of our computers or laptops, but our primary mission is to serve local nonprofits and low income families in the Greater Cincinnati area.
