TeamChildren, an Audubon based nonprofit organization, last month saved at least 350 computers from the landfills through donations from an anonymous Delaware County company and other individuals. TeamChildren is the single most successful program in the state that collects, refurbishes and distributes high quality, low cost computers to individuals and organizations that need them the most. It has distributed more than 11,000 computers reaching more than 50,000 children across the region, state and nation.

"We believe," says founder and President Robert Toporek, "that we have demonstrated that just because a computer does not have the latest bells and whistles to keep up with the needs of the corporate community, these computers' life span can be greatly extended by refurbishing and redistributing them to families, organizations and schools that cannot afford new technology."

TeamChildren is always accepting money and computer donations. It is currently raising $250,000 to fund its summer youth development program among other administrative costs. Its demonstrated accomplishments merited two grants last month; the Orman Children's Trust in Falmouth, MA donated $5,000 and The Edward A. & Catherine L. Lozick Foundation in Cleveland, OH donated $2,500. For more information on becoming part of the team, visit www.teamchildren.com.

2.25 million tons of electronics were retired and 82 percent were discarded mostly to landfills in 2007 according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. TeamChildren's major emphasis is on reuse.

"What we cannot use, we strip for parts and responsibly recycle," said Toporek.

By increasing the memory, installing Windows 7, loading learning software and adding DVD drives, TeamChildren upcycles and provides economically challenged families in the Philadelphia area and beyond with the tools and opportunities they need to be successful in school and at work.

Brillkids.com, a Hong Kong based software company, and Awe Learning, a software company in Chester, PA, have donated over $500,000 of incredible learning software that comes loaded onto each computer. Children and their families are spending more time together in the safety of their home learning, finding jobs, getting scholarships to college and moving forward.

Full Photo Caption: President and founder Robert Toporek delivers 25 free refurbished computers to the Delaware County Literacy Council as GED and ESL Coordinator Deb Charley assists him