- Eco-friendly program provides low-income Orange County families with access to technology that will help bridge the socioeconomic gap
- Avanir Pharmaceuticals is the first company to join the effort by donating almost 300 used devices
Irvine, CA (July 27, 2022) – Orange County United Way today announced it has partnered with Ingram Micro, a global distributor of IT products and services, to launch the eco-friendly ‘Closing the Digital Divide’ effort. Orange County companies have an opportunity to help residents in need by donating used technology devices. Ingram Micro donated 100 laptop computers and 400 refurbished, high-quality smart phones and accessories to kickstart the effort.
Those in Orange County who lack reliable Internet access and other digital technologies are at a disadvantage, as they are less able to obtain real time information, communicate with future or current employers, utilize virtual programs for school or work and, consequently, may be at a disadvantage to learn new skills.
“In this day and age, technology has never been more crucial to future success, whether that be in school or business,” said Susan B. Parks, President, and CEO of Orange County United Way. “Through the Closing the Digital Divide effort, we want to ensure that Orange County residents can excel in work and school, participate in and contribute to a thriving local community and learn about and apply for jobs and college. By creating more access to technology, we’re allowing them the chance.”
Avanir Pharmaceuticals, based in Aliso Viejo, is the first company to join the effort by donating almost 300 used devices. The money generated from recycling these items amounts to nearly 50 laptops for families who are part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial SecuritySM initiative programs including the SparkPoint OC financial empowerment program and UpSkill OC workforce development program.
“Our business is built on the passion to serve and improve the lives of patients and care communities across the country,” said Lisa Locklear, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Avanir Pharmaceuticals. “It is with that same passion that we choose to team up with local changemakers, like Orange County United Way and Ingram Micro, to bring digital equity to our surrounding neighborhoods. The process of donating our used technology equipment to give them a new life was seamless and a win-win.”
Donated items accepted include laptops, servers, printers, headsets, projectors, and speakers, among others. For each item donated, Ingram Micro will arrange for pickup of the systems, erase all company data and software, clean and prepare the systems and provide an Itemized Audit Report summarizing every device that was picked up, a Certificate of Data Destruction/Data Erasure, a credit memo and a Donation Certificate.
“Access to technology elevates quality of life and enhances future opportunities across our global landscape. With generous donations like that from Avanir Pharmaceuticals, we’re able to begin closing the digital divide right here in Orange County,” said Todd Zegers, Global Vice President, ITAD and Reverse Logistics, Ingram Micro and United for Financial Security Leadership Council Chair. “We’re calling on other Orange County companies to donate what they can so we can serve many more families and help them build a bright future.”
For more information about how you can help Close the Digital Divide, contact Doug McKay at [email protected] or (949) 263-6125.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way is committed to leading the fight for equity by breaking barriers, closing gaps, and leveling the playing field for everyone who lives here. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering 50+ programs countywide to improve lives in our community. Every day, we are working to advance the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of people in Orange County. We are working to ensure our students succeed, our struggling families gain financial security, and our homeless neighbors find a place to call home. We step up to actively address the critical issues facing our community and we go the extra mile to make sure our residents have the support they need. We genuinely care for one another. That’s The OC Way.
To learn more or discover how you can help, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, [email protected], (949) 525-7024
