Want a laptop computer? This retiree refurbishes laptops, offers them away to these in want : NPR

[ad_1] <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/895x1197+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F69%2F06b63e0948c19d9dab530488178f%2Ftech-fairy.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/895x1197+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3d%2F69%2F06b63e0948c19d9dab530488178f%2Ftech-fairy.jpg" class="img" alt="Craig Clark" fetchpriority="high"/>

Craig Clark is an efficient neighbor to have.

After he retired from managing a series of comfort shops, he grew to become a pc technician. That is when he received the thought to offer laptops for individuals who could not afford them.

Clark, who's from Sarasota, Florida, grew to become the "Tech Fairy."

"I've no reminiscence as to why or how I branded myself as [that]," he informed NPR. "Folks would give me their previous computer systems once they purchased a brand new one and I'd repair them up and discover somebody to provide them to."

He began eight years in the past and has helped a whole bunch of individuals – with pictures to show it.

"Within the 700 photos, there's numerous comfort retailer employees, there's numerous quick meals employees, those who I do know are working for a minimal wage and doubtless can't afford a $1,200 laptop computer."

The 79-year-old is a one man operation. Clark's workplace has racks stuffed with computer systems. Some laptops are open, revealing their inexperienced motherboards.

The laptops are all donations. He modifies out elements that do not work and provides a brand new arduous drive to every pc — for free of charge to recipients.

"I could not do it with out the beneficiant donations that I get," he says. "I give away about eight or 9 a month … there's in all probability 500 laptops [here]. So, there's $20,000 there."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1460x1538+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F05%2F4d%2F6c20ba2e48538c60b1675191928e%2Ftech-fairy-2.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1460x1538+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F05%2F4d%2F6c20ba2e48538c60b1675191928e%2Ftech-fairy-2.jpg" class="img" alt="Craig Clark donated a laptop to Chris Roberts (pictured here) to use for college." loading="lazy"/> Craig Clark donated a laptop computer to Chris Roberts (pictured right here) to make use of for school. Craig Clark cover caption

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Craig Clark And Clark says whereas the prices for the Tech Fairy to show across the donated laptops continues to develop — the worth to recipients will be life altering.

One instance: A server at Clark's favourite restaurant accepted one of many refurbished laptops.

"He got here up and stated, 'Craig, I simply need you to know, final week I received two $6,000 grants from my faculty that I by no means would have even identified about if I did not have that laptop computer."

Clark seems to be past acquainted faces when he chooses potential recipients for his tech presents. When he is out buying at locations like second-hand shops, Clark walks as much as individuals who could be testing a used laptop computer however cease in need of shopping for it.

He is even labored up a little bit of a script.

"So, I'll say one thing like: 'I seen you have been a pc, however you did not decide it up.'"

Then Clark tells them about his refurbished laptops and "exhibits them the folks I've given computer systems to after which they're satisfied I am for actual."

<img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4284x5712+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2F51%2Fca6cf17945c992389a4566a25630%2Ftech-fairy-3.JPEG" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4284x5712+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F25%2F51%2Fca6cf17945c992389a4566a25630%2Ftech-fairy-3.JPEG" class="img" alt="Craig Clark is a one man operation. His office has racks with computers that need to be refurbished and others ready to be donated." loading="lazy"/> Craig Clark is a one man operation. His workplace has racks with computer systems that should be refurbished and others able to be donated. Craig Clark cover caption

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Craig Clark Clark intends to maintain granting needs, one refurbished laptop computer at time.

"I by no means had a plan," he says. "It was simply one thing that occurred and type of blew out from beneath me. However I am so happy it did."

"I like fixing computer systems and watching folks smile."

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