Essex County Teen Wants To Turn Old Laptops Into Good Deeds

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Got a laptop computer you’re not using? Rohan Variankaval says he can turn it into a good deed.

Variankaval, a South Orange native, is a volunteer with Laptop Upcycle, a nonprofit based in Montclair. The organization fixes broken computers with the help of local high school students, then donates them to local schoolchildren in need.

Not only does Laptop Upcycle work to close the digital divide, it eventually keeps these computers out of the landfills, said Variankaval, a high school student who is a Comptia A+ certified laptop technician.

In an effort to raise awareness of the nonprofit and its mission, Variankaval is spearheading a laptop donation drive in Essex County, including Montclair, West Orange, South Orange and Maplewood. It will take place on the first two weekends in March:

• March 5 and 6
• March 12 and 13

Variankaval said he’s offering to pick up unwanted laptops from the donor’s location, or provide them a location to drop the computer, whichever they prefer.

Donors can reach out to laptopdonation2022@gmail.com to coordinate a pickup time.

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