Community Outreach
Making a Difference in Our Community
We’re not just here to help the planet, we’re here to help our Buddies!
Partnering with Best Buddies
Having access to technology and the internet is a crucial part of contributing to society and living an independent life. Through our partnership with Best Buddies, we’re able to offer free computers to our Buddies with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A computer, tablet or phone can make a huge difference in our Buddies’ lives, and we’re thrilled to offer our support.
About Best Buddies
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The Story Behind the Mission
Our founder, Nicole Schwegler, isn’t just the momentum behind EAS, she’s also a proud parent of a Buddy in the Best Buddies program for the last 7 years. From fundraising for the Chef’s Challenge to serving as a parent advocate for her son’s high school chapter, Nicole is intrinsically involved with Best Buddies Iowa–but she was looking for a new way to make a difference for people like her son. Intertwining her passion for electronics recycling and campaigning for individuals with IDD, Nicole came up with this partnership with Best Buddies. Providing computers to our Buddies is about more than just giving out computers, it’s about helping them reach their goals and lead full lives.
Interested in Being Part of the Mission?
Here’s how you can help. If you have an unwanted functional device, you can donate it to the Best Buddies Program! We’ll securely remove your data, test it, fix it, install a fresh operating system, and gift it to one of our Buddies!
Required Specifications
- Mac or Windows computers less than 6 years old (please make sure you include the power adapter).
- Must be removed from your Microsoft, Google, or Apple account so it can be reused.
- We take Chromebooks too (We need the power adapters for these too)!
Please click the following links for detailed reset phone & tablet instructions.
Apple iPad Samsung Tablet or Phone Pixel, Motorola, & Others
All donated items should be free of moderate to major scuffs, scratches, or any cracks. We are happy to recycle anything free of charge that doesn’t meet requirements. You may bring it to our office during business hours, 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Make sure to tell us you are donating to the Best Buddies program!