New organization attempting to technologize citizens

Compute 4 Life Skills, a new nonprofit organization based in Gardnerville, rebuilds old computers and in the process educates people not only about computer technology but about e-waste, too.

"Every monitor that comes to us, instead of going to the landfill, prevents 7 to 15 pounds of lead going into the ground," said the organization's founder Mark Cale. "Everything we receive can be recycled, rebuilt and used again."

Cale operated the computer repair company Megafix Inc. for 15 years before establishing Compute 4 Life Skills this fall.

"This is our dream, this is what we've wanted to do," said Karen Bigongiari, chairwoman of activities for Compute.

Bigongiari said the organization welcomes computer donations from anyone.

"Douglas County has recently donated some electronics, but a lot of our donations just come from individuals," she said.

Behind their office on Service Drive, Compute 4 Life Skills has a warehouse full of used computers, televisions and arcade games.

Cale's brother and computer technician Scott Cale helps salvage and rebuild the electronics to make working computers the organization plans to donate to schools, churches and families in need.

"We want to be open to anyone who needs a computer," said Bigongiari.

"Our plan is to have applications in places like the Family Support Council where those in need can apply for our service."

Mark Cale said the organization also wants to educate people about the process of computer recycling.

"We want to set up a workshop where we can teach people to rebuild their own computers," he said.

Cale and his team recently opened 'R' Cade in Gardnerville, next to Coyote Grill, as part of their plan.

"An arcade gives kids a safe place to go," Cale said.

He explained the 'R' in the name stands for recycling.

"In the back of the arcade, we'd like to set up a drop-off where kids can bring in old computers and get tokens for their donations," said Cale. "They can use the tokens to play arcade games, and they can go to the workshop and work on the computers if they want to."

"It gives them skills for a lifetime," said Bigongiari.

For more information about Compute 4 Life Skills, call 782-0400 or e-mail Karen@megafixinc.com.