Registered charity no 1196860
Getting tech to those who need it
Inspired by the need for laptops for remote learning during the pandemic, Oxford IT Bank is like a food bank for tech, getting old devices that are sitting on a shelf somewhere cleaned up and passed on to those who would benefit from them.
More than 860 devices to people in need since January 2021, and we helped Getting Oxfordshire Online deliver an additional 1100. Thank you to everyone who's supported this!
November update: we're receiving many more offers of desktop computers than we have requests. If you know of any people or charities in need of desktop rather than laptop computers, we'd be pleased to hear from you! And we're afraid we can't accept more donations of desktops or monitors until we clear our stock. Keyboards, mice, speakers and webcams welcome!
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Making a difference
Learn more about Getting Oxfordshire Online, the main programme we are now supporting.
How it works
Donate
The most useful are laptops, desktops and tablets up to 12 years old, which can often be upgraded with new parts to run the latest operating systems. Check out pre-donation notes here.
I'm hoping to find homes for equipment of all ages and broken devices can be useful for parts so if in doubt, do get in touch and I'll let you know what I can use.
Finally, I'd also be grateful for any money you'd like to donate which supports our operations, buys parts etc. You can donate with zero fees via our PayPal Giving Fund page.
Anybody happy to help with collecting and delivering, this would be appreciated too to speed up the service!
Wipe and Spruce Up
First priority is to ensure all data is securely removed before passing on to a new home.
Then software is refreshed with a modern operating system, as well as possibly fresh hard disks etc to ensure a good experience.
If you're able to help with electrical repairs, such as failed screen hinges, cracked power sockets or unreliable motherboards, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
On to good causes
I work with local charities, with laptops going to families and vulnerable people, and desktops often also helping speed up in-house equipment for the charity to provide better online services.
I would be pleased to hear from any other groups able to pass IT to those in need and support them with getting the most from it.
Devices such as desktops which are tricky for organisations to distribute but still useful for homes are advertised online at low prices, helping those with limited funds, and bringing some money in for repairs and parts.
Whether you want to donate, help out or would like to ask for donations, please email Ben and the volunteer team at hello@oxforditbank.com
If you are wondering who you are entrusting your old computer to, here's my LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/bentuppen/
Currently Supporting
Fantastic charities helping communities and vulnerable people get online to access education and employment.
Getting Oxfordshire Online is a partnership started by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, with Aspire in Oxford, SOFEA in Didcot and Bicester Green working together to provide refurbishment, support and connectivity to help reduce digital poverty across the county. You can find out more here.
Get Involved!
A reminder of all the ways you can help
Donations
Laptops or tablets up to 12 years old (pre-donation checklist here), or money at our new JustGiving page!
Collection and Distribution
Collecting and delivering in the Oxford area.
Repair Skills
"Repair Cafe" skills for electrical repairs such as replacing worn out power sockets
Recipient Organisations
Schools or community organisations who can pass equipment to those in need and help them get set up.
I would also be delighted to hear from any others doing similar IT distribution in the Oxford area. I hope we can work together to help more people.
Thank you
To everyone who's donated a device and spread the word, and especially to these who've supported with partnership, funds and expertise.
Volunteers, space, fundraising for devices and lots of expertise getting started!
Funding, team, space and support with Getting Oxfordshire Online
Funding for parts, startup expenses and equipment
Not in Oxford?
If you're not local, here are other people you could contact if you would like to donate equipment or ask for help.