GE retirees work to bridge the digital divide
The microchip shortage is slowing production of computers and other products, but a group of retired General Electric Co. employees are working to help more people access the goods.
Terry Lustofin and his crew at GE Elfun Computer Rehab might be retired, but they know their way around technology.
“Everybody here is a volunteer and most of the guys are GE retirees,” said Lustofin.
Since 1993, Elfun has been fixing computers, cameras and printers for nonprofits and schools. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Lustofin and others roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. The group effort has a two-fold mission: to save the planet and bridge the digital divide.
What You Need To Know
- GE Elfun Computer Rehab rebuilds old technology for schools and nonprofits
- Founded in 1993, they are made up of mostly retired GE employees
- Their missions are to bridge the digital divide and save the planet
“People tend to throw things away too much nowadays, and most of this equipment we get is usable. It’s for individuals who can’t afford to buy any computers and for nonprofits and schools who are strapped in today’s economy and can’t afford to buy new equipment,” Lustofin said.
According to a 2019 U.S. Census community survey, more than 22% of New York households didn’t have a desktop or laptop computer at home. That’s around 1.6 million households.
Since then, a global microchip shortage has made computers harder to acquire.
The next batch of tech equipment from Elfun was going to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum.
“This is not the first time that we’ve utilized Terry’s guys to do a technology refresh like this," said Jim Salvino, Empire State Aerosciences Museum volunteer. "This is terrific. Not having it around would mean we would have to spend much more money to get decent computers.”
Lustofin said they’re in desperate need of laptop donations. For more information, visit their website.
Gloss