According to some estimates, more than $34 billion of cell phones sit idle in drawers of homes across America. Fifty million tons of e-waste is produced each year. In fact, an estimated 70 percent of heavy metal in landfills consists of discarded electronics.
That’s why the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) and GameChanger Charity, which collects donated electronics and applies proceeds to benefit children, have partnered on a year-long campaign that brings together the schools, businesses, and community of Irvine to do their part in helping save the planet – and improving the lives of kids and schools along the way.
The campaign includes outreach throughout Irvine. All electronic devices collected during the campaign will be wiped clean and recycled or resold. All funds resulting from the donated devices will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the City of Irvine, with proceeds dedicated to helping school kids throughout Irvine.
“It’s stunning when you look at how many used electronics sit idle on our shelves, in our drawers or on our desks and it’s even more shocking when you look at the impact of disposed electronics on our environment,” said Neda Eaton, CEO of IPSF. “While we love technology and the pace of innovation, we need to also ensure that we’re advancing society in a meaningful and sustainable way.”
“We’re making it easier for people to take that small step of getting rid of their old cell phones, electronics and other devices,” said Jim Carol, founder of GameChanger Charity. “Not only will they be helping to keep hazardous materials out of the ground, but they’ll also be benefiting kids who really need our help.”
Donated electronics will be received at GameChanger’s processing center and warehouse, providing a secure and transparent chain of custody. For devices that contain memory, GameChanger enacts a rigorous data destruction procedure that provides security and prepares each item for recycling or resale. The chain of custody is designed to provide peace of mind to donors, as well as a guarantee that non-working units will not be shipped to landfills or overseas.
Those interested in donating their electronic devices can do so in just minutes by simply visiting www.donatedevices.org and selecting the item they wish to donate. GameChanger will then send a prepaid return envelope or container for shipping the device via US mail. GameChanger’s secure online system shows the value of the donated device and the total amount, including the City’s match that will be contributed.
For Irvine-based corporations who want to get involved, GameChanger will make arrangements to conveniently manage all large donations of new and used electronics. Those interested can call (800) 880-2929 or send an email to info@gamechangercharity.org to get started. GameChanger provides a secure chain of custody along with Basel-compliant e-waste services as well as an itemized receipt of donations for tax records.
Added Carol: “It’s simple, safe and 100 percent guaranteed that nothing ever ends in a landfill or is shipped overseas. You can help by donating a device -- or even a pallet full of devices -- and helping the children and schools of Irvine.”
About DonateGames and GameChanger Charity
With the support of gaming companies such as Xbox and Activision, DonateGames has collected donated videogames and gear, converting those used items into hundreds of thousands of dollars for children with life-threatening illnesses. The organization recently introduced the GameChanger Charity with the expanded objective of saving the planet while helping kids with significant illness. The charity was founded by serial entrepreneur Jim Carol and his son Taylor, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2007. Taylor’s cancer is now in remission and he is an incoming freshman at Harvard later this fall.
Prior to founding DonateGames, Jim co-founded Packetvideo, a successful mobile phone software start- up company. He currently serves on several not-for-profit boards, including the Orange County Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Given his background, Jim created a charity to operate like a business, but with the sole interest of dedicating the output into funds that help others. According to Jim, it only seemed natural to create a software platform so that people could donate new or used electronics easily and efficiently.
About Irvine Public Schools Foundation:
The mission of IPSF is to enrich the educational experience of each child in every school by providing programs, raising funds, and uniting the community in support of educational excellence. Visit www.ipsf.net for more information.