Tanner Duckrey School kicked off the new school year with a large donation from Temple University’s Computer Recycling Center (CRC): 60 top-of-the-line refurbished computers and 13 large plasma screens to equip the school’s classrooms, main office and library.

Adjacent to Main Campus at 15th and Diamond streets, Duckrey also received more than 35 boxes of school supplies from Temple’s College of Liberal Arts in early September.

All told, Temple’s CRC donated 445 computers to underserved North Philadelphia schools and community organizations over the past year including the following:

·         Strawberry Mansion High School

·         William Cramp Elementary School

·         Mothers in Charge, a violence education, prevention and intervention program

·         Iglesia del Barrio Community Center

·         St. Joseph’s Hospital

·         Norris Apartments Community Center

The CRC, a nationally recognized and award-winning program, collects and refurbishes computers and electronic equipment from across the university and distributes much-needed desktops, monitors, laptops, digital displays and servers at no cost to more than 50 Philadelphia area schools and nonprofit organizations as an ongoing commitment.

Several donations were made in collaboration with the city’s PhillyRising collaborative and the mayor's Managing Director's Office.

“The donations help the schools replace older and sometimes obsolete PCs as well as increase the number of computers needed to meet the ever-increasing student demand for access to technology,” said Tim O’Rourke, vice president for computer services and chief information officer.

Access to technology in schools is critical for students starting at the earliest possible age.

“When they get into the working world, every job they have will require them to use computers. All modern curricula have computer components. I don’t want any of my students to miss out,” said David Cohen, principal of Duckrey. “We’re so grateful to Temple for their support.”

Started in 2003, the CRC supports Temple’s commitment to social responsibility by rebuilding communities and preserving the environment through a continuing commitment to sustainability. On average, the CRC diverts nearly 95 tons away from landfills per year by redistribution within the university, resale to staff and students, and donations to outside organizations. The recycling of thousands of computers and electronics previously used by students, faculty and administrators over 11 years means less plastic, silicon and metal ended up in landfills.