Recycle Your Unwanted Computers

Add comment September 9th, 2008

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Illinois Growth Enterprises (IGE) have formed a unique partnership
to collect unwanted home and business personal computers, keyboards and monitors in an effort to reduce
impact on landfills and provide steady, meaningful work and a paycheck for adults with disabilities.
Illinois Growth Enterprises through Computers for Schools (CFS) recycles unused and non-working computer
parts. Goodwill stores will serve as collection centers under the collaboration and accept used computers and
accessories from companies and individuals at Goodwill stores during normal business hours. Store locations:
Rockford: 4618 East State Street
1907 Kishwaukee
Machesney Park: 8010 North Second Street
Sterling: 2216 East 4th Street
Freeport 2202 Galena Street
Beloit, WI 2543 Prairie Avenue
The computer components can also be dropped off for Computers for Schools at Illinois Growth Enterprises,
from 8:30 to 11:00 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7200 Clinton Road in Loves Park.
Volunteers at Computers for Schools refurbish the equipment and then donate to a school or another local
not-for-profit organization. Recycling non-working or used computers and accessories support local charities
and reduces materials going to the landfill. If the CFS volunteers can refurbish the equipment, it will be. If the
equipment is non-repairable, adults with disabilities working at Illinois Growth Enterprises’ production facility will
tear it down for recycling.
“I think there are a lot of companies and individuals with used or non-working computers in storage hoping to
find a responsible way to dispose of them,” says Laurra Paterson, CEO, Illinois Growth Enterprises. “Donating
it to Computers for Schools could benefit schools and other local charities. Equipment that cannot be reused
goes to IGE so we can provide work for adults with disabilities and recycle components responsibly.”
Goodwill has a long history of being environmentally conscious through the donation function at their area
stores. “This is another opportunity for our thousands of donors to connect with those in need through giving,”
says Sam Schmitz, President, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois. “It is especially gratifying for us to work
with another not-for-profit in meeting the needs of our community through this collaborative effort.”
IGE offers businesses top quality contract services such as packaging/assembly and electronics recycling
performed in the production facility. Employment services are offered to area employers in search of dedicated
employees and award-winning janitorial services. To people with disabilities, IGE offers real work training that
enhances successful community employment. Individuals with disabilities earn a paycheck that assists them in
improving quality of life for themselves and their families.
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides education
and employment and job placement for persons in need. Goodwill stores in northern Illinois (Rockford,
Freeport, Sterling) and Beloit, Wisconsin employ more than 170 people. Goodwill plans to open a new store in
Machesney Park in late September.
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For more information about the Computers for Schools program contact (815) 316-4580. For additional
information on Goodwill Stores, education and job training opportunities contact Sam Schmitz (815) 965-3795.

Guilford High School Students Visit Rockford Goodwill

Add comment September 9th, 2008

This month, Goodwill Industries® of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin Stateline Area (Rockford, IL) went “back to school” and invited students from two local high schools to learn more about Goodwill® and everything it does. On September 2, 48 sophomores from Academic Career Education (ACE) High School — a new vocational school with a curriculum focused on workplace technical skills — toured the Goodwill’s facilities and learned about several business units. On September 5, 12 juniors and seniors from Guilford High School’s special education class participated in a similar day of learning.

In past visits from local high school students, Goodwill staff gave them a tour similar to one they would give any other group. This year, the agency worked with the schools to expand the tour and asked participants to complete a hands-on assignment.

“In having students see the gamut of training and educational opportunities in our community, it was natural to think of Goodwill-Northern Illinois. The students were able to find out about resources that are available in times of need,” said ACE High School Principal Michael Cermak. “What was most special was how the staff made a day tailored to a high school student. There were plenty of activities and excitement that made the afternoon go quickly.”

During the ACE students’ visit, the Goodwill split the group into three smaller groups. They toured a variety of business areas, including the manufacturing training center, the music recording studio, the e-commerce operations and the retail store. During the retail tour, students split into small groups to create outfits that would later be sold on shopgoodwill.com. One student modeled the outfit while another provided commentary. Students also wrote descriptions of the outfits for the auction web site. The Goodwill filmed the fashion shows, and after all the groups were finished, they came together to watch the video.

“I don’t think most of them had much previous exposure to Goodwill,” said the Goodwill’s Workforce Development Manager Courtney Geiger. “Those who did pretty much just knew about the store, and they were surprised they were able to put together a stylish outfit.”

After visiting the Goodwill last year, two Guilford High School students applied for jobs with the agency and were hired. Geiger said the school was eager to return because administrators and teachers saw first-hand how Goodwill could help their students.

“We’re trying to open communications with other school districts to coordinate similar programs,” said the Goodwill’s President and CEO Sam Schmitz. “It’s an opportunity for us to open our doors to the students and let them experience what we do for the community.”

For more information, contact Geiger or Schmitz.