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Jim Ballard wants your old computer.
Ballard, 49, is director of the Toyon-Wintu Recycling Project in Shasta County, a program that refurbishes discarded computers for the needy.
The recycling program was started last year and has already delivered five computers to the Rowell Family Foundation, which supports families with autistic and Down syndrome children. Eventually, Ballard plans to deliver 50 refurbished computers to the foundation.
"I'm an old, retired computer geek and I want to see something good happen to these computers," Ballard said Wednesday. "Internet access and a printer will probably do wonders for them to research how to deal with their disease."
Ballard will be the keynote speaker at the Shasta Technology Association brown bag meeting at noon Friday at ReddingCity Hall.
"My focus will be the rewards of giving back to your community," Ballard said. "I'm going to challenge them to try and get involved in some community service program."
Ballard's project takes computers free of charge -- it's also tax deductible. What they can't refurbish and parts they can't use are taken to a commercial electronic waste recycling center in San Jose.
"Nothing goes to a landfill," Ballard said.
The Toyon-Wintu project is an authorized collector under state electronic waste laws and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, Ballard said.
In addition to the Rowell Family Foundation, Ballard's project supports the EvergreenCharterSchool, International Police Association, Hepatitis C Task Force of Northern California and Forever Pets Adoption Program.
Any charitable organization in ShastaCounty is eligible to apply for a computer grant from the Toyon-Wintu Recycling Project, Ballard said.
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