During the past two weeks, we received phone calls from Texas, Florida, and Indiana requesting computers for refugees. Wow! Part of the reason might be that our name ALPHA……….. is at the beginning of the alphabet. We didn’t consciously choose a clever marketing strategy. As I chatted with the inquirers, I respectedly explained that we don’t ship out computers. However, I shared that what we are doing in Lancaster could easily be replicated in other parts of the USA, and even in other countries.
After talking with Charlie, Stu, and Tim (our technical team), I continued texting Riffat in Tampa FL. She was excited about the possibility of starting a “Computers for Refugees” project in her community. The next day, she replied that her Ph.D student friend wanted to share his computer expertise. Riffat already had contacts for possible computer donations. Interestingly, Charlie needs to make a business trip to the Tampa area in the next several weeks and offered to connect with Riffat and share about our experience in Lancaster.
We don’t really think COMPUTERS FOR REFUGEES is anything unique. However, we saw a need back in 2017 for English-language learners, and refugees in particular, to have a computer to access the tools for improving their English proficiency. Several of us had technical knowledge and experience to get the computers ready. Groups such as Church World Service, the IU13 Refugee Center, and the Migrant Education Program requested computers for their clients. We spread the need for computers throughout the communities, and individuals, businesses, schools, and others have generously donated desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, and accessories, as well as financial gifts. The Alpha and Omega Community Center has provided the space for us to operate, and we are an integral component of AOCC’s outreach to the community.
We encourage others to think about what can be done in other places. We are primarily volunteers. Someone else could do this work as an entrepreneur. We’d be happy if others would take this initiative and run with it to bless their own communities in unique ways.
Blessings!!!
Contact Us:
- Address: 708 Wabank Street Lancaster, PA 17603
- Phone: 717-394-3021
- Contact US
