Girard man heads computer drive

The computer recycler hopes the endeavor will catch on nationally.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City resident Don Moler has computers and computer accessories stored in his living room, sitting on his front porch and waiting in a storage facility not far from his home.
Moler is not into computer sales and has no plans to actually use any of the machines. He just wants to give them away to children in need of computers.
What started as an honest mistake has turned into a mission for Moler. He is collecting used computers from those who have upgraded and passing those machines along to children in families that cannot afford to buy new ones.
How it began
According Moler, his niece wanted a computer for her kids for Christmas, but she did not have the money for a new one. He suggested she run an ad asking someone to donate a refurbished machine to the children.
When the ad ran in the paper, Moler said, the wording was much different from what the family anticipated. He said the ad read: "Free computers for kids for Christmas" and included his home phone number.
Moler said his phone rang constantly with requests for the computers, but he was not angry. Instead, he decided to change the ad to ask for computer donations for kids and see if he could match up all those who requested a computer with a donated machine.
To date Moler has received more than 100 older model laptops and about 30 desktop computers. He has managed to provide 10 computers to those who requested the machines and has three more ready to go as soon as the hard drives are checked for material not suitable for children. His answering machine is filled with requests from parents interested in getting one of the machines.
Piling up
The computers soon began to gobble up space in Moler's home, garage and porch area. A friend offered to allow him to keep the machines in an office building on Meridian Road at no cost.
"This is a fantastic idea because people want to get rid of their computers and just don't know where to send them," he said. "A lot of the computers need repair, that is the problem. I need someone who can fix them."
Moler has big plans for the computer program. He is applying for grants and hoping to partner with someone with more business experience to help take the program national.
You can help
Moler said those who want to donate their time to the effort can call him at home, (330) 530-2059, or attend a meeting at 3 p.m. Saturday at 166 S. Meridian Road. Moler said any work would be on a volunteer basis, but the rewards are still there.
"The kids, they go nuts when you deliver [the computers]. They finally get their own computer," he said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com