[Skip to Content]
Port of Oakland Mobile Logo
JOIN USFull Menu
Image of Port Donates 200 Refurbished Computers to Oakland Recreation Centers

Port Donates 200 Refurbished Computers to Oakland Recreation Centers

Press Releases, Seaport, Community
July 14th, 2009

Press Releases

For Immediate Release
July 14, 2009

Port of Oakland Donates 200 Refurbished Computers for Use in Oakland Recreation Centers

Computer Donation Helps Close Digital Divide

Oakland, Ca. 07-14-09 – Port of Oakland donated 200 refurbished computers for use at two dozen Oakland recreation centers as part of the collaboration with Oakland Technology Exchange West (OTX) and the City of Oakland. The Port partnered with OTX to give the 200 computers, complete with keyboard and “mouse”, as an in-kind donation valued at approximately $24,000.

According to Diann Castleberry, Director of the Port of Oakland’s Social Responsibility Division, “As we upgraded our new computer system, we wanted to donate our existing computers where they would best serve our local community. We were very pleased that the collaboration between our Information Technology team, OTX and the City of Oakland created a perfect fit. These computers are now being well-used by Oakland families who would otherwise not have a computer and Internet access. It’s a great way for the Port of Oakland to be a partner in helping reduce the digital divide in our community.”

OTX West believes there is a need for people of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds to gain access to the digital word and acquire technological knowledge and skills in order to achieve self-sufficiency and empowerment. The organization also employs an environmentally sustainable, re-use model by refurbishing donated personal computers and other technology related equipment.

Bruce Buckelew, OTX West Founder/Director, says, “In today's world, everyone needs access to computers and the Internet in order to join the new economy. Access to education, health care, government agencies, jobs, and other services are all currently offered through the Internet. And teenagers who have access to computers have a better chance to graduate from high school than those who don’t.”

The computers at the Oakland recreation centers are free to use and available to all ages.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers 150 daily nonstop flights to 34 destinations; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Please visit: www.portofoakland.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Port of Oakland
Marilyn Sandifur, Port Spokesperson
Media & Public Relations Department
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur