When Yash Laddha and I sat together at the kitchen counter with screws scattered around. We removed each plate and disconnected each wire like mechanical surgery. We were both in 7th grade and were repairing the screen on my iPhone 5s. With a replacement kit ordered from Amazon, an old YouTube video, and many prayers, we sealed the phone and peeled off the protective cover. We completed our first repair. Our love for technology started at a young age and was the catalyst for our friendship. We spent afternoons looking at CPU benchmarks and trying to save up for new hardware. In high school we were looking forward to being able to continue our interest but were quickly disappointed when no computer club exist ed. However, this led to an understanding that we could create one ourselves. With the help of our computer science teacher, Mr. Groenevled, we established Pope’s first-ever computer club. From witnessing the world go online during the pandemic, we realized that many students may have trouble gaining access to digital technology. This led to us creating Parts4Hearts, a branch of our club that would be dedicated to sourcing old computers, refurbishing them, and then donating them to students. By putting our passion for technology to help others, we are able to create a positive impact within our community and school.
To this date, we have received 100 computers, refurbished them, and donated them to students in the metro Atlanta area. In addition, we have partnered with the World Computer Exchange (WCE) and are the managers for their Atlanta branch. We accept all laptops and desktops and inspect and refurbish computers. We take data security seriously and will wipe all data on computers to an irrecoverable state. To donate, contact us at contact@popecomputing. org or check our website at popecomputing.org.
Written by By Sean Lan, co-founder
