Every year businesses replace millions of computers that are still perfectly usable, computers that would otherwise end up being recycled or in landfills.

Dennis Nepini came up with a better plan for these computers, during what he describes as “a chat among childhood friends.”

Nepini, an IT consultant for Intracoastal Realty, recently founded Tech for Tots, an organization that finds used technology equipment, refurbishes it and deploys it to community centers that are need computers.

According to Nepini, the organization has already filled a storage unit, donated by Monkey Junction Self Storage, with working computers  by reaching out via Facebook and other social networks.

Nepini also has been requesting old computers from Realtors at Intracoastal. “I sent out a mass email to Realtors and they stepped up to give me ten more units,” said Nepini. “We were shocked and surprised by the amount of gear we received”

Techs for Tots is currently working with Communities in Schools  Cape Fear to deploy the refurbished computers.

“In addition to supporting the computer labs, we also offered  to help the staff with their computers. This was a win-win scenario for Techs for Tots,” said Nepini “We had a huge number of working PCs and no place to deploy them. With the help of volunteers, we will have the ability to support the entire computer infrastructure at no charge to Communities in Schools.”

Communities in Schools Cape Fear is based in the Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center, a downtown center for non-profits. According to Nepini, Tech for Tots is working with Vicki Dull, director of the Harrelson Center, to incorporate Techs for Tots as part of their other programming.

Nepini explained that the biggest challenge today is the paperwork associated with applying for non-profit status. The organization’s board of directors has been formed and includes Nepini as president, Bob Lucas, vice president, David Maurer, secretary, Patrick Doherty, treasurer, Greg Diel, technical advisor and Kristin Gordon, legal counsel

The board is completing the application for 501(c)(3) status, and Nepini said he hopes to have the paperwork to the IRS by the first week in July. As part of the application for non-profit status, the board of directors has laid out an ambitious five-year plan.

“Our long-term goals through the year 2016 is that (we) will have several computer labs being supported by Techs for Tots, along with volunteers throughout the community,” said Nepini.

Tech for Tots continues to reach out for computers, networking hardware and other computer equipment. Interested parties can contact the organization via email at [email protected] or via their website, http://www.techsfortots-usa.org/.