In 1997, the average lifespan of a computer was four to six years. Today, with rapidly advancing technology, industry experts say the average lifespan of a new PC is just two years.

The National Safety Council estimates that more 315 million computers became obsolete in the United States at the close of 2004.

For organizations like the Port of Tacoma, this poses a dilemma: Residing in the mainstream of international business requires cutting edge technology, but “Who wants to throw away a machine that still works as it was designed?” asks Deborah Givens, the Port’s Director of Information Technology. “Although obsolete for our purposes, these are machines and monitors that would work very well in education or in other applications, such as job training.”

Most recently, the Port has donated outdated equipment through “Computers 4 Kids,” a State of Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction program designed recycle used government and corporate surplus technology for education.

“This is one more way the Port of Tacoma supports public education,” said Port Commissioner Connie Bacon, noting the Port’s $1.5 million endowment at the University of Washington-Tacoma and its County-wide third-grade schoolbook program. “Computers 4 Kids gives us a new way to give back to the community that supports us.”

Once Computers 4 Kids receives equipment, the machines are thoroughly checked and refurbished. During 2004, the program distributed a total of 5,932 refurbished computers to 280 needy schools statewide, bringing the total for the program to over 22,000 computers since 1998.

While Computers 4 Kids cannot accept donations of non-state surplus equipment, its website lists organizations that accept privately owned computers. To learn more about this program, visit http://www.k12.wa.us/c4kids on the web.