FreeGeek Chicago is a not-for-profit community organization that recycles used computers and parts to provide functional computers, education, internet access and job skills training to the underserved communities of Chicago in exchange for community service.
- I would like to recycle my old computer equipment.
- I would like to earn a free computer or buy one for $40.
- I would like to volunteer with FreeGeek Chicago.
Happy Holidays: We Have Heat!
Our landlord has installed a new heater for us, which as of December 20 is working! So this winter you can volunteer for Freegeek Chicago in comfort. Orientation may be a bit shout-ier, because that thing is loud!
Friday Volunteer Program Hours
Starting this Friday, August 7th, we will be open Fridays from 10AM until 3PM in addition to our normal Sunday hours (11AM to 5PM). We wanted to provide an alternative to potential volunteers who have schedule conflicts with our Sunday hours, and to give existing volunteers another opportunity to put in hours towards earning a Freekbox.
Freegeek is a 501(c)(3)!
The big news around is that Freegeek Chicago is now a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization! Freegeek staff has been working on this for a while, and it's a big step forward for us.
If you donate to us now, we can give you a tax-deductible receipt, a bit more incentive on top of the assurance that we have probably the most stringent environmental standards of any computer recycler in the city.
Still Geeking
Today we restored our network and Internet access. We thought we'd celebrate by posting a long-overdue update.
Our volunteer program continues to expand. We've been seeing a lot of new faces in the space every week-- a few weeks ago, we had a record 8 new volunteers, on top of the half dozen returning. We love to meet new people and can always use more help, so come down and get your hands dusty!
FreeGeek/Chicago introductory video created by DDB
A group of marketing interns from DDB helped FreeGeek develop some marketing materials and ideas for a marketing campaign this summer. The centerpiece is a lovely video:
FreeGeek Chicago will be closed June 15
FreeGeek will be closed June 15th for a staff retreat. We will be open the following weekend. Thanks, and enjoy the summer weather!
FreeGeek Chicago recycles a ton of stuff...
.. actually it was two tons!
On March 29, 2008, we recycled 80+ monitors and 3400 lbs. of general waste (PCs, components, and miscellaneous metal and plastic) at System Service International (SSI) in the Chicago suburbs. We rented an 18ft. truck and in a matter of a few hours, loaded it full.
Enough With the Holiday Cheer... Back to Work!
So when we last left our valiant heroes at FreeGeek, they were struggling with unreliable and overloaded electrical circuits, a network cable callously cut during a bathroom renovation, and a dwindling stock of computers upon which to work their dusty magic. What's become of them, you ask? Read on!
Friday Update, 10/19/2007
Howdy!
It's been a while since we've updated this site, but never fear! FreeGeek/Chicago is still very much open for business, and getting better every day.
(click on "read more" to see what's new.)
We will be closed Friday the 27th of July
FreeGeek Chicago will be closed Friday, July 27th, for our annual staff retreat.