Annual ATEN recycling drive set for May 20 at CLA

John G. Conyers Learning Academy will hold its eighth annual Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN) computer electronics and durable medical equipment recycling drive on Friday, May 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the east parking lot of the school, which is located at 2800 Central Road, Rolling Meadows.

ATEN is a program of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago. Its mission is to increase access to computers and assistive technology for students with disabilities throughout the state of Illinois. This year's event offers two ways for residents to participate and support children and adults with disabilities.

• Donate used computer electronics—PC Pentium or higher, Apple G3 or higher, printers, keyboards, computer mouses, monitors, modems, hard drives, 3.5 disk drives, CD-ROM drives, software (originals only), peripherals, power cords and cables, fax machines, and cell phones. (Televisions will not be accepted.)

• Donate used, durable medical equipment—canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, standers, and therapeutic equipment.

Over the years, this student-driven recycling event has yielded more than 75 tons of computer and medical-related equipment that has been recycled or refurbished to benefit children and adults with disabilities. It has become an opportunity for all members of the immediate and surrounding communities to donate their used computers and computer accessories to be recycled or refurbished and given to special needs children who would educationally benefit from the use of a computer. All donations are tax deductible and a donor acknowledgement form will be given at the time of the donation for tax records.

Organizations that have a sizable amount of computers to recycle can arrange a specific date and time for their donations to be picked up.

For additional information, contact Don Sommerville, school social worker, at 847-963-3427 or sommervd@ccsd15.net.

-Story Submitted by Community Consolidated School District 15