Our organization (Vista Learning, NFP supported by the Will, Grundy and Kendall Regional Offices of Education and the Professional Development Alliance) solicits donations of used computers and then rebuilds them so they can be gifted to needy children who have been identified by their school principals and teachers as those who will benefit academically.
Vista Learning, NFP was created in 2004 as an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. Jay Linksman serves as the Executive Director and Secretary. The Governing Board is led by the President and Vice-President. The day-to-day operation is managed by a volunteer staff.
In the fall of 2006, Vista Learning became proactive in the solicitation of donations and sponsorships for the Computers 2 Kids in Need Program. Marketing was stepped up and fundraising events held. This allowed us to begin the gifting of computers. The Computer2Kids in Need program gifted five computers to Will, Grundy and Kendall County students in December 2006. As of December 2016, we have gifted over 560 computers to the students of Will, Grundy, and Kendall County.
Unfortunately, we are unable to fulfill all the requests that continue to be made. We have reached out to our local Chambers of Commerce looking to work with them to reach the area businesses. In order to rebuild and upgrade the older computers, we solicit new computer parts and monetary donations to pay for the parts.
Parents and family members, along with the teacher and principal, attend the gifting ceremony creating a celebration. Refreshments are provided and the regional superintendents of schools present the computer and a certificate to each child. Photos are taken of the child with the regional superintendent, their parents and teacher or principal.
Donations of used computers and donations of funds to purchase new parts are accepted from generous individuals and companies who wish to help. If you have a computer, monitor or printer you would like to donate, or if you are able to make a monetary donation to purchase parts to refurbish computers, please contact 815-725-5510. A tax receipt is provided.
Our vision is to provide a computer to every child who has a sincere desire to learn and succeed.
We are located at:
2705 McDonough St.
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 725-5510