I’m a fan of PCs for People. They refurbish used computers and get them into the hands of folks who need them. The West Central Tribune recently ran an article on the PCs for People affiliate in Willmar. There are several branches or extensions of PCs for People in Minnesota, the partnership is Willmar is a little different in that PCs for People is working through a local computer dealers…

KandiComp of Willmar doesn’t plan to get rich working with PCs for People, a nonprofit that provides free refurbished computers to low-income families.

While the company is a for-profit business, its partnership with the nonprofit PCs for People is an important aspect of their effort, said Roy Stiff, KandiComp owner and a former United Methodist pastor.

When he and his wife Beth started KandiComp nine years ago, he knew he didn’t want to be just a business man.

“We built this to be a ministry extension, to help people receive computer technology at a price they can afford,” he said.

The partnership with PCs for People and KandiComp began through a MIRC grant.  The Kandiyohi County & Willmar Economic Development Commission (EDC) became the Demonstration Community that administered their local grant during the two year period.  They are planning a big computer giveaway on February 1, 2013. They will be distributing 100 computers.

This distribution of computers will diminish their inventory, so  KandiComp and Kandiyohi County & Willmar EDC asking folks in the area to consider donating any used computers company to the PCs for People program. (For more information about donating a computer to PCs for People or volunteering with the organization, call KandiComp at 235-2701 and ask for Robert.)