InReach Internet and East Bay Computer Services donate valuable equipment to the Stride Center and ReliaTech

How does a business clean out unwanted computer equipment while helping the local economy, supporting a great nonprofit organization, and being environmentally responsible?

InReach Internet Services, operated in Oakland by East Bay Computer Services (EBCS), found the way this week. EBCS founder and Manager, Don Macleay recently met Ben Delaney, CEO of ReliaTech, an Oakland-based nonprofit computer support and refurbishing business. They quickly realized that they had a convergence of needs. Macleay had surplus computer equipment at InReach’s Oakland location that he needed to get rid of. ReliaTech has a constant need for refurbishable computers. They arranged to have a ReliaTech team come and clear out the old computers, switches, cabling and keyboards. The equipment will be refurbished and distributed throughout the Bay Area to low-income families and nonprofit groups.

Don Macleay is excited about this new relationship. “Almost every small business has a back room full of outdated computer equipment,” he said. “In our case, the back room was pretty big – InReach has had a lot of turnover during this period of economic stress, and many of our old customers abandoned their computers and equipment. We need the space for current customers and growth. Also, we had to be sure that our equipment was handled properly. ReliaTech provided the perfect partner – they took the stuff away at no charge, and will use it to help many people in the area. This is a total win-win situation for us.”

“ReliaTech is always looking for ways to help the community,” Ben Delaney, CEO of ReliaTech explained. “Our refurbishing operation has pledged to provide 1,500 free and low-cost computers to Bay Area families and nonprofits this year. That requirement makes this contribution especially valuable, because finding suitable equipment is always a challenge. The InReach/East Bay Computer Services donation couldn’t come at a better time. This donation will help us to provide jobs to student interns while adding to the supply of computers low-income school kids need to get their homework done. Anything that can’t be used will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. This donation is a winner in every way. We couldn’t appreciate it more!”

East Bay Computer Services focuses on the small office environment of 5 to 50 computers, using a server-centered network sharing internet, data and printing. They support small businesses and nonprofits throughout the Bay Area, and also provide cost-effective website hosting, co-location, and internet services. More information can be found on their website, www.eastbaycomputerservices.com, or by calling 510 645-1800.

ReliaTech is the nonprofit social enterprise of the Stride Center. The Stride Center (www.stridecenter.org) provides technical and life skills training, and job placement services to hundreds of Bay Area and Sacramento adults seeking careers in computer technology. ReliaTech offers computer service by certified technicians in three Bay Area stores or on site at customers’ homes and offices. They sell Gold Star Certified Renewed Computers, which have gone through a rigorous 25-step refurbishing process. ReliaTech also provides e-waste recycling, and is a California registered collector. to request an e-waste pickup by ReliaTech visit their website, www.reliatech.org, or call 510 236-7000.