Computers for Kids project still going strong

Your response to our Standpipe story of June 19, 1996, announcing that MicroKnowledge of Bangor was seeking unused computers to refurbish and donate to local organizations that serve children was so great Computers for Kids is now a permanent project of that company.

The participation was so positive, in fact, that MicroKnowledge president and Computers for Kids founder Dan Libby recently named Diana Richardson the company’s full-time Computers for Kids project coordinator.

“I’ve only been here since February 10,” Richardson said, “but it just seems to be taking off. We’re approaching businesses for donations of used equipment and then, on the flip side, finding homes for it in nonprofit, educational settings.”

In the first month after that initial announcement, readers had donated 150 computers that were either in MicroKnowledge’s possession or waiting to be picked up to be refurbished.

To date, computers have been placed with the Abnaki Girl Scout Council, Literacy Volunteers of America, The Salvation Army, St. Michael’s Center, the Bangor YMCA and the Bangor-Brewer YWCA.

Richardson said MicroKnowledge employees are “volunteering their time to work on the computers during their down time,” but that she will “probably approach volunteers outside the business when things really take off.”

She also is interested in reaching out to technical training centers “or some sort of vocational settings which might have people who need to learn to repair computers.” Richardson believes it would be a good match for both.

“It would help them with their training, and help us at the same time,” she said. “That’s the goal.”

Asked if she knew how many computers had been placed to date, she was unsure of the specific number, but knew “it is in the hundreds” and acknowledged that Standpipe readers were the main source of donations.

“Any time we encounter someone who wants to donate a computer, we ask how they learned about the program. Almost every single one says `The Standpipe.’ So we want Standpipe readers to know that we are still accepting donations from private parties and businesses.”

MicroKnowledge seeks outdated, old computers, or computers incompatible with advances in the industry, that can be updated or repaired for use by organizations serving children.

If you have a computer you no longer need or one that is incompatible with your present system, and you would like it to be used rather than thrown away, call Richardson from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Monday through Friday at 945-5788.

To our Standpipe readers, we extend a most sincere thank-you for helping MicroKnowledge help bring our children into the computer age.

In keeping with its belief that athletics is an integral part of any student’s high school experience, the Hampden Academy Boosters Club is working to raise funds to replace cuts in the school’s athletic budget, made necessary by difficult economic times.

Last year, the club sponsored an auction featuring items that were sports-related and nonsports-related.

The success of that endeavor has brought about the second annual Hampden Academy Boosters Club Auction on Saturday, March 22. A preview is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with bidding beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Hampden Academy’s old gymnasium. The auction goal is to raise $5,000.

“Again this year, the response to our request for help has been wonderful,” said committee member Tom Cavanaugh of Winterport. “We have received items from Hampden to Florida, from the U.S. and Canada.”

Among the more notable items to be auctioned off, he said, is “The Green Mile,’ a complete set of six paperback books individually signed by horror author and former Hampden Academy teacher Stephen King.

Famed golfer Arnold Palmer autographed a lithograph of his final appearance at the British Open.

Noted sculptor and HA alumnus Forrest Hart, whose bronze bronco fiercely guards the entrance to the academy, has contributed several bronze sculptures.

Hampden resident and noted outdoor artist and author Tom Hennessey has contributed a signed print, and Newburgh resident and NASCAR racer Ricky Craven has presented several signed items, according to Cavanaugh.

“We will also have some great items from local businesses,” he said. “Last year, we ended up with 145 oral auction items plus 50 silent auction items.” This year’s mix between sports and nonsports items is expected “to be about 50-50,” he said.

The club still is seeking donations, so if you have something you can contribute to help these adults support Hampden Academy athletes, call Cavanaugh at 942-7009 or Debbie Peet at the school, 862-4111.

In any event, don’t forget to be there for the bidding.

The Standpipe, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.