UNITED WAY DELIVERING COMPUTER SYSTEMS FROM IBM TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

United Way of Eastern Fairfield County and IBM Corp. announced today that six local nonprofit partner agencies will receive more than $18,000 worth of leading-edge computer systems. According to United Way President/CPO Merle Berke-Schlessel, Esq., the brand-new desktop and laptop systems were obtained through the IBM Technology Grant/Gifts in Kind program.
"United Way has been successfully working with the Gifts in Kind initiative since 1995," said Berke-Schlessel. "Every year, Gifts In Kind International distributes a broad range of materials, educational and recreational supplies to more than 50,000 charities. United Way convened a committee to consider applications for these machines, and we were very fortunate to be able to secure 11 computers for a half-dozen of our partner agencies."
The recipients agencies: Hall Neighborhood House, The Kennedy Center, The Center for Women and Families, the Sterling House Community Center, American Red Cross of SE Fairfield County and Children in Placement, CT, Inc. are all 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
"Our United Way's participation in this program demonstrates our mission of becoming one of the region's leading community impact organizations, while at the same time addressing a particular need for updated technology for our partners," said Berke-Schlessel. "Thanks to this donation, we are able to help them meet this need while continuing to focus our community impact funding on the pressing needs of hunger, affordable housing and accessible health care. Every dollar we are able to leverage in grants like this mean more dollars can go to critical regional needs."
Lou Perno, Executive Director of Sterling House said the new computers would be put to immediate use in the agency's food pantry.
"Our Food Pantry program has been in need of this type of equipment for some time, but how can you justify spending the resources on computers when there are so many hungry children and families right here in Stratford," Perno said. "This donation, which is made possible because of our partnership with United Way, will greatly enhance our ability to effectively service the pressing social needs in our community."
IBM generously donated three NetVista, six Young Explorer and two portable Thinkpad PCs valued at $18,616 to regional agencies that provide services in one or more of the following areas: youth education opportunities/early learning programs, community and family services, support for the disabled/disadvantaged, adult services (i.e. literacy, job training), and/or youth development programs.
"IBM's continued pledge to help those in need through its substantial donations of technology is admirable," said Susan Corrigan, president and chief executive officer of Gifts In Kind International. "Because of IBM's generosity, thousands of nonprofits have increased their capacity to help those most in need."
IBM's contribution is part of the company's annual nation-wide technology donation program, this year valued at more than $5 million. Gifts In Kind International, the world's leading charity in product philanthropy, manages the donation program, coordinating distribution of the computers with approximately 200 local United Way organizations across the country.
Reflecting its commitment to education, IBM's total donation nationally includes 1,500 Young Explorer systems. Also included are specially developed educational materials for teachers as part of a program called the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program. Young Explorer systems will help give children in daycare and childcare centers a jump start on their education.
"IBM appreciates the significant impact these charities have on the people they serve," said Stanley S. Litow, IBM's vice president of corporate community relations and president of IBM's International Foundation. "We at IBM are committed to improving lives and to helping communities realize their full potential through the use of technology."
United Way focuses on what matters, and builds stronger communities by supporting nearly 80 health and human service programs that helped more than 180,000 people last year. United Way funded programs impact a range of critical services in its six town service area including Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. A complete list of local United Way partners and initiatives, and a link to United Way's Virtual Volunteer Center can be found on the website, www.thewaytocare.org.

About Gifts In Kind International
Gifts In Kind International (www.giftsinkind.org), the world's leading charity in product philanthropy, serves as the vital link between corporate donors and recipient charities. Gifts In Kind International, the 7th largest charity in the United States, and its 300-plus affiliates provide charities access to more than $600 million annually in product and service donations, helping them improve lives in communities around the world. Manufacturers and retailers, including 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, rely on Gifts In Kind International's free services to design and manage the donation process. Every year, Gifts In Kind International distributes products such as computers, software, office equipment and supplies, clothing, personal care products, building materials, and educational and recreational supplies to a network of more than 50,000 charities. Gifts In Kind International operates at less than 1 percent of the fair market value of products donated, making it one of the most cost-efficient charities in the world.