Refurbish
Volunteers test, repair and reload donated computers, then get them to students, job seekers, seniors and families who don't have one.
Now forming · Quad Cities, IA–IL
Old computers, new owners.
QC Reboot is a volunteer-powered nonprofit taking shape on both sides of the Mississippi. We'll refurbish donated computers for people who need them, recycle the rest responsibly, and teach anyone who wants to learn how their tech works.
Davenport · Bettendorf · Rock Island · Moline · East Moline
What we'll do
Four ways one donated laptop keeps working
We're modeled on Free Geek, a community tech nonprofit that has run in cities like Portland and Minneapolis for years. The idea is simple: keep good hardware in use, and keep bad hardware out of the landfill.
Recycle
Whatever can't be saved gets broken down and sent to certified recyclers, so lead, mercury and batteries stay out of local landfills and the river.
Thrift
A low-cost store for refurbished computers, monitors, cables and parts. Sales help pay for everything else we do.
Learn
Hands-on workshops: build your own computer, basic electronics repair, getting started with Linux, and staying safe online.
Get involved
We're building this with the community
QC Reboot is at the starting line. The people who show up now will shape how it works.
Volunteer
No tech background needed. We'll need hands for sorting, testing, teaching, organizing events and running the front desk.
Join the founding board
We're looking for people with experience in nonprofits, finance, law, IT, education or community outreach.
Partner with us
Businesses, schools, libraries and agencies with equipment to retire, or clients who need a computer, let's talk.
Offer space or support
We need a workshop and storage space in the Quad Cities, plus early funding to get the doors open.
Where things stand
The road to opening day
- Research and planning In progressStudying Free Geek and similar groups, sizing up the need in the Quad Cities, and drafting a business plan.
- Form a founding boardRecruit a small group of local people to lead the organization.
- Incorporate and apply for 501(c)(3) statusBecome a registered nonprofit so donations are tax-deductible.
- Secure a spaceFind a workshop and storage location that's easy to reach from both Iowa and Illinois.
- First collection drive and workshopOpen our doors with a recycling drive and a build-your-own-computer class.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Can I drop off old computers now?
Not yet. We don't have a space or a recycling partner in place. Email us and we'll tell you when our first collection drive is scheduled.
What will happen to the data on my old computer?
Every drive we take in will be wiped using methods that follow the NIST 800-88 guidelines for media sanitization. Drives that fail or can't be wiped will be physically destroyed.
What kinds of equipment will you accept?
Mostly computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, cables, networking gear and phones. We'll post a full list, plus anything that carries a fee, before we start collecting.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Not yet. We plan to apply for 501(c)(3) status once we incorporate. We'll say so here as soon as that's approved.
Who can get a refurbished computer?
We'll set those programs up with local schools, libraries and social service agencies. If your organization works with people who need computers, we'd like to hear from you.
Want in? Drop us a line.
Tell us how you'd like to help, or just ask a question. We read everything.