Local non-profit store’s laptop give-away plan will make you smile

Human I-T’s give-away will help give Detroit students vital access to learning-enhancing internet service.
Just in time for the new school year, Detroit residents — including families and students — will have the chance to secure a free laptop computer at Human-I-T’s new digital equity retail store, Human I-T on Seven Mile, located at 6375 W. 7 Mile Road in Detroit.
Now through Aug. 28, Human I-T giving away a total of 50 laptops, five per day, and thousands of $50 gift cards during a special grand-opening celebration. The giveaway is made possible thanks to generous support from General Motors.
“We believe access to technology and the internet is a right, not a privilege, and we are thrilled to get computers into the hands of Detroit residents who need them,” said Jennifer Jambor, Human I-T’s Senior Manager of Partnerships.
“We’re especially excited that many of the computers will go to families with children who are about to start the new school year. Having the right tools for learning is an important first step toward success. Our team can also assist with low-cost internet, digital skills training, and tech support.”
Providing vital internet access
In Detroit, approximately 200,000 residents, many of them school-aged children, do not have internet access, a digital device that is not a mobile phone, or the skills needed to effectively leverage the benefits of today’s digital world.

The first five income-qualified Detroit residents to visit the store each day will receive a free laptop. Up to 5,000 income-qualified Detroiters who come into the store and speak with the staff will get a $50 Human-I-T gift card.
The business will be open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday). Parking is available on the street nearby.
Human I-T is a nonprofit social enterprise that refurbishes donated technology, making high quality devices available at a lower cost. All proceeds from the digital equity retail store go directly toward funding Human I-T’s mission of diverting millions of pounds of e-waste from landfills while empowering hundreds of thousands of people across the globe with access to affordable technology and internet plans.
Online offerings available
For those who can’t make it into the store, Human I-T is also offering big discounts online at store.human-i-t.org.

“We are extremely proud to support and celebrate the opening of Human I-T on Seven Mile,” said Terry Rhadigan, Vice President of Corporate Giving at General Motors.
“Since coming to Detroit just three years ago, Human I-T’s work has supported thousands of students and families. Now, through this store, Human I-T is truly opening its doors to the community to provide residents with the tools they need to succeed – in school, work and life.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com