TBCS Charity Drive

[DaveW]

That's right folks. We want your crap.

You see, I'm working at a Camp for Disabled Kids in PA at the moment. Here, we have 6 computers for the kids to use, and they all suck. I'm not just talking Pentium 2's here, one of them is an unbranded processor running at around 233Mhz. When was the last time you ever heard of an unbranded processor?

This biggest shortfall though is RAM. There's not enough RAM to go about; the XP machines, of which we have 2, each have 128MB of DDR. The rest of the computers seem to still be using PC memory, and have around 32-64MB each.

So these are old computers. Which isn't a problem, because they're running old software, but these kids do deserve better than this. All these computers and parts have been donated by happy parents or generous businesses, so all we're really looking for here is some more donations; it's pretty obvious from the Specs of these air-heaters exactly when the last charity drive was.

Ok, so what do we need? That there's a mighty fine question.


RAM: PC, DDR, DDR2, whatever ya got lying around. If it's less than 32MB, don't bother, but that and above, we would welcome it here.
Monitors: Ok, I don't really expect anyone to mail a monitor, unless you can persuade your boss to put it on their community support fund or something. We currently have a bunch of 17"CRT's that are in pretty weak condition. We also have a single 15" CRT and two nice 19" CRT's that seem pretty new. If you have any 19" CRT's, or flat panels of any size above 14", they would find a welcome home here.
Educational Games: If you have any kid's educational games, or just non-violent games in general for the younger folks, they would be handy. The most modern game here is Lego Racers, and the second most modern is Descent 2. I don't know why Descent 2 is here, but we're looking for fun educational/kids games.
Posters: The classroom currently has laminated clip art on the walls. That's a whole new breed of tacky. If you have any cool looking posters, like a scale poster of a CPU architecture or some such, that sort of stuff would look pretty good on the walls. Educational posters and such would also be very helpful. They should in some way be related to Computing.
Whole computers: I don't really want bits of computer for this job, but if you have a whole computer that is in working condition and has a windows Licence (98, ME, XP, Vista, whatever) it's good. Yet again, high postage costs means that I'm not expecting much activity here, but if you don't ask you don't get.
Mice and Keyboards: We have a bunch of old mice, mostly trackball with 2 buttons. Any decent mice would be incredibly helpful, as would decent keyboards. I'm in particular need of a USB mouse, as everything here is of the PS/2 variety but I have a working ME computer (hilarious, I know) with a Pentium 3 that has no PS/2 Ports. I have a USB keyboard, but need the mouse. I know they cost like a buck or two, so if I get no taker's I'll just buy one.

The final thing to remember is that this is a summer camp or disabled children, who spend most of their time playing simple games. Top of the range hardware is wasted here. I'm trying to build multi-purpose workstations, so anyone willing to sent me a Quad Core CPU, please ebay it and donate the money to charity instead.

You're probably wondering where exactly to send this stuff, eh? Well you can send it all to me directly at Camp Lee Mar (http://www.leemar.com/). Information about the camp, along with the address and phone number are located there (http://www.leemar.com/). I'm working at the camp, and the address starts with 450 Route 590. Please DO NOT phone the camp and ask to speak to me. I will be pretty p'd off if you do, so don't. Please. Don't forget that e-mail is still the best way to get in touch with me, and it's warndave@googlemail.com.

You can PM me, E-mail me, whatever you want. These are kids who spend most of their lives feeling out of place and misunderstood, and this Camp is one of the few places where they can really belong, even just for one summer. Anything you guys can do to help would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks.

-Dave

[.Maleficus.]

I will begin the hunt through my random piles of computer crap. I think I might even have a copy of Type to Learn here :rolleyes:.

[XcOM]

i can send you a bag of ram, unknown size i think most of it is 64-256 PC100 and PC133,

If you can find what socket the cpus use i have loads of P3's and mobiles if any will fit i can send some of them also.

[jdbnsn]

Cool beans! I think I have some stuff for you, at least a USB keyboard and maybe a mouse. I'll give them to you on saturday when I pick you up.

[DaveW]

Thanks Jon. ;)

XcOM, I appreciate it a lot but the chances are that this will get grabbed by border control folks and they'll want tax for it. If you want to send the bag o' ram, it will be appreciated, but it might not get here. It's your call bro.

Maleficus, anything you got, and are willing to part with, would be appreciated.

Thanks guys. Dig Deep!

-Dave

[Mach]

What about something like popcap games (http://www.popcapgames.com)? They're flash based so processing needs are limited and some of them are quite fun. Would these work? Do you have an internet connection?

How old are the kids?

[Airbozo]

I have a bunch of stuff Dave.

~ 25 MicroSoft mice, brand new in the box with software (a mis order by one of the sales guys who had to eat the cost). We were going to sell them for $1/ea to the local scrap resellers, but this is way more worthy. I will even make mce pay for shipping... ;)



I will go make a list of the other stuff we are about to scrap.

BTW: do they really stop shipments at your borders for taxing them on the way out? I thought that only happened on the way in...

[TheGreatSatan]

I have lots of stuff too!

[DaveW]

BTW: do they really stop shipments at your borders for taxing them on the way out? I thought that only happened on the way in...

I was assuming the Americans would tax it. Am I wrong to assume that?



~ 25 MicroSoft mice, brand new in the box with software (a mis order by one of the sales guys who had to eat the cost). We were going to sell them for $1/ea to the local scrap resellers, but this is way more worthy. I will even make mce pay for shipping..

Dude, I swear, I'm going to kiss you next time I see you. That's awesome. You got the address and stuff right?

Thanks to TGS and Luke, who have e-mailed and PM'd me. :)

There is something I forgot to add to this list: I'm also keeping my eyes open for a webcam, like a logitech quickcam, and a microphone and speaker headset. That's not for the kids, that's for the staff computer. I have this on my laptop anyway, but a lot of these guys are miles away from their home to help these kids. The webcam and headphones would make getting in touch with their families easier.

It's no biggie. The priority is getting these kids some decent computers to learn on.

-Dave

[chaksq]

I'll gladly send some old stuff your way. If the camp is here in the US I have an old machine I'd be willing to rebuild and send your way so you have an extra computer, I'll even stick it in a lightly modded case if thats cool. At the least I have a few old PS/2 keyboards I'll definitely give you guys and if you interested maybe some old speakers. I might possibly hook you up with an older sidewinder joystick if you need/want it, I don't really play any games that use it. I have 2x 17" CRTs in good condition I can possibly give you if I were able to ship them cheap enough. I'll dig through my software and see what I can find.

[XcOM]

it shouldn't be stoped if i fill out an excise form and state there a gift to you they should let it through.

[Omega]

How does two sticks of DDR Corsair XMS and one stick of DDR Patriot PDP (Red, the good stuff) sound to you?

If you want it, it's yours.

[TheGreatSatan]

Coming your way on Monday is::santa:


Intel Motherboard with 1.7GHz processor & Sink
RDRAM for above
Network Card
Modem Card
PSU (400 watts)
2 sound cards (one is 5.1, not sure about the other)
Low end AGP video card
2 New Mice
SATA, IDE, Floppy, USB cables
20GB 2.5 inch HD with IDE adapter
Mandrake 10.1
Microsoft Office (2 builder copies)
CD games

256MB Flash Drive with:


Anti-Virus
Anti-Spyware
Disk Defrag
Registry Defrag
GIMP
Screensaver


Games:


Peggle Deluxe (Full Version)
Mini Golf Gold (Full Version)
Hangaroo 2.0 (Full Version)
Nintendo Emulators
Flash Games

[TheGreatSatan]

Can anyone else help?

[DaveW]

This is incredible guys, I really appreciate all this. I'll try and get some photos taken of the classroom. Don't forget I'm also looking for interesting computer related posters, if you have any of them lying around. Say you took down that AMD one so you get a chick over-send it my way! ;)

-Dave

[nevermind1534]

That RD Ram costs a fortune. I don't have any of that, although I have a ton of old PC100 64MB sticks. Can you use any old PCI video cards or dial-up modems? I have a TON of old modems. If they work, I could also send maybe a few 300-700MB laptop hard drives, if that would be of any use. PM me about windows or office. I also have a serial mouse.

[TheGreatSatan]

I considered selling the RDRAM on ebay, but these are all 128MB (x4) and they go for $5.00 each is all

[Mach]

I have an old Dell gathering dust that you are welcome to if you want it. It's an XPS 266 MMX with Windows 2000.

Just got off the phone with Intel Marketing, They're sending out 3-4 posters and I placed an order with AMD thru an old link. You should get 3-4 posters there also. Not sure if that one will work but I don't have a contact number.

You should also get a Tony Hawks PC game from an ebay seller. Hope it helps.

I also submitted a request to NVIDIA's promotions team and submitted a request to newegg. If anyone has kick ass posters, these guys should have them.

[nevermind1534]

Well, the RDRAM costs a TON of money new, even from newegg.

[.Maleficus.]

The only educational game I could find was "Gus Goes to Cyberopolis".

I'll keep looking at my stuff. Most of the other junk I have is just that, junk. I think I've got a 20GB IDE hard drive here, and if you need I can download and burn some copies of Edubuntu, which comes with a ton of educational games and features.

I've got a 17" CRT here too, and if my parents don't mind parting with it I can look into the shipping price. UPS.com led me to believe it would be ~$20 but I don't trust them...

[DaveW]

I'd never heard of Edubuntu. Now that I have, I might set up a few dual-boot machines-I have a whole stack of hard drives sitting here.

I actually squelled with a geekish passion the other day when I opened up one of these old computers, running windows ME mind, and found a 5.25" hard drive. This thing is huge. Another thing I found was a 600MB hard drive. This place is like a nostalgic geek's wet dream in some ways. :D

Anyway, I'm really, really appreciating this. I'm gonna try and figure out what I got coming, so people can see what's missing.

1) Airbozo is sending a truckload of mice (which are sorely needed, let me tell you)
2) TGS is sending me a bucketload of stuff, including shedloads of software and all the little things that guys like us need to get the job done ;) (USB Sticks, Cables)
3) Mach's sending some posters and games
4) chaksq is maybe sending a whole computer, possibly a joystick and some software
5) Maleficus is still rooting through his stuff ;)
6) Omega's sending Ram, I think
7) XcOM's also sending some RAM

I'm accepting all the offers that have been made. Judging from the variety of the stuff that's getting sent to me, I'm going to estimate that not everything will find a use. What I'm really short on, vitally so, is RAM. DDR and PC ram in particular. Every stick helps. I have a big sack of this crap at home, I just can't get to it. Which is irritating me no end. When I get back, I think I'll pass it on to the computers for 3rd world countries charity.

I have to have this room functional by the 20th, so that leaves 9 more days. If you send something on the 20th, I'll be willing to sacrifice a night off in order to improve these computers.

But, as a ballpark figure, aim to not leave it any longer than 7 days. After that, it becomes difficult to find the time to set up the equipment, etc.

The funny thing is, I have a teeny little pigeon-hole. I don't think any of this is gonna fit. ;)

Thanks again guys. TGS, as for that RAM, it's a server board i'm gonna guess-if not, it could certainly be used for such a purpose-so I might set it up in a similar function here, maybe as a dedicated server for games that the kids can play together or something.

Good show guys, honestly. I'll get some pics of the computer room soon and post them up, then you'll see how badly we need stuff. ;)

-Dave

[nevermind1534]

I will send some memory and mice, when I get a chance. Maybe even keyboards. Will you be able to use the small laptop hard drives?

[DaveW]

The small laptop drives will not be of any use. In general, hard drives are unnecessary. Memory is the important thing-and as for mice, if Mr Airbozo can indeed send me 25-ish optical mice, then that's more than enough mice.

There are 6 computers in the classroom, but there are other computers on the campus, such as the one in speech therapy. I have some photographs of the classroom, where most of the hardware will end up, but there are more than 6 computers here. These 6 are my primary objective, but i'm responsible for everything here, so whatever you can spare, send it my way. :)

Here's those pics of the classroom I promised you. I don't know why they came out fuzzy, it was taken under pretty good conditions...you can ignore my scribbling on the board. That was me working out exactly what was where.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/davew/Photography/P10600560.JPG

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/davew/Photography/P10600570.JPG

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/davew/Photography/P10600580.JPG

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/davew/Photography/P1060059.JPG

And just to clear up one more thing, all these items should be sent to:



Dave Warnock
Camp Lee Mar
450 Route 590
Lackawaxen, PA 18435

I'd been getting a few questions from people wanting to know what name to put on the parcel. Well, stick that on the parcel and send it my way. Also, if you have a tracking number or something like that, please also send me them so I can make sure this hardware isn't hi-jacked when it gets here (Something I sincerely doubt will happen).

Thanks again,

-Dave

[Airbozo]

Mice on their way today. I have 25 going your way but do have more. I might just save those for a simple mouse mod contest...

Want some random new mousepads as well?

[DaveW]

New mousepads would certainly go down well. If these computers all look the same, the kids might complain less about which one they end up using. ;)

Thanks guys. :) I'll keep you posted when stuff arrives.

-Dave

EDIT: 25 Mice fills ALL the mice needs here. :D

[DaveW]

Yesterday, I received a package containing TGS's parts. It contained exactly what's on the list. I also received a copy of Tony Hawks.

I've been re-arranging the computers at the moment and examining exactly what goes where. Memory is still an issue, so if you can spare memory, posters, games, etc. That would be very helpful.

I've also recieved an E-mail from Intel, who are sending me a bunch of posters courtesy of Mach.

Thanks guys. I'll keep you posted when everything arrives. :D

-Dave

[chaksq]

Oh snap, I forgot about this. I still have that joystick and the keyboards. Not going to have a whole computer in time for you. Kinda late but I can still send this stuff, you can have it as spares.

[blueonblack]

I know it's late, and I don't have much to offer, but I have a few pieces of RAM (capacity unknown) that I would be glad to send if it's not too late. Could you use an older AGP video card?

Also, would you be open to educational software after the 20th?
________
NX650 Dominator (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_NX650_Dominator)

[DaveW]

Guys, at the moment I'm running into Serious trouble getting all of this working. Anything and everything you can send me will be appreciated.

Posters from Intel arrived yesterday. Two of them are on the walls now, but the other two would have terrified the children. I think I'll phone the other major companies today, see if I can't get some more.

If you've sent stuff to me, can you please let me know the address and the courier you're using, because at this moment only TGS's parcel, the Intel posters, and a copy of Tony Hawks are the only parcels that have arrived.

I'll let you know as soon as your stuff arrives, but I'm still taking parts-at the moment, I really need them. Thanks guys. I'll keep you posted.

-Dave

[Drum Thumper]

I've got two sticks of PC100 128 megs and one stick of 64 meg PC100. Say the word and they're yours.

[Vexxx_2007]

I have a full computer that i'm willing to donate...
AMD athlon xp @ 1.5ghz
1gb ram
20gb hd
200something watt psu
17" CRT
two monitor mount speakers
some kind of agp video card
ethernet network card
modem network card
windows XP

everything works, but is slow to my standards...
but i'm sure it'll be like the fastest one around up there almost?

[Vexxx_2007]

i'll do my best to convince my mommy to let me send it up there...
she's usually stingy when it comes to giving things away...
but it's a good cause!!!
She'd agree on one of her good days :)

[Dane Bramage]

dang... hate to have found this thread so late. i would really love to help. i have stuff here at my office and stuff at home that i will send if it's not too late.

i've subscribed to this thread and will check daily. lemme know if you want more stuff. i certainly have ram and other assorted hardware.

give us an update, and +rep for your work with these kids. very admirable.

[DaveW]

Hi guys. Airbozo's mice arrived, and so did some posters, along with a copy of the game Tony Hawks' Pro Skater 2. TGS's stuff arrived and has been of great help setting things up and keeping them working, although I had some problems with the hardware he sent that I'll PM him about (watch the inbox, TGS!).

However, I think the aim is to have 5 new computers here, each one capable of running EDUBUNTU. So we're looking at computers that are capable of running Ubuntu. This means that the computers should use fairly standard hardware. I'd like each computer to have around 512MB of RAM, although that could be a bit idealistic in this case. Each computer should have a CPU over 1GHz, and and old graphics cards you have would be appreciated.

I'm still looking for more games, so older games like age of empires 2, descent, etc. would be great. Now that I've met a lot of the kids, It's become more apparent that the older kids are looking for more games to play, and the single solitary copy of Tony Hawks is wearing out fast. Use your own judgement on which games are good and which games are bad; these are impressionable kids, so games with darker themes are out from the word go: Put Max Payne back on the shelf. ;)

If you can send me anything at all, please just send it; my work here is more hectic than I could have possibly imagined, and as I write this I'm still busy doing 2 jobs at once. With some luck, I'll have more time to reply to my messages, but at the moment I'm stuck doing the best I can do.

So if you have anything, whole computers, computer bits, hardware along, anything you can send to me, please do. These kids desperately need your spare parts. If you can send posters, games, anything at all, it will make summer for these kids, and the kids next summer, and the summer after that; it will make their summers.

So please, if you have anything at all that you can send, please do. It will make all the difference in the world.

Thanks.

-Dave

[nevermind1534]

I have a TON of old PCI video cards, dial-up modems, and a few USB cards, and I happen to have a copy of both AOE and AOE II with the expansions. Sorry that I haven't sent my stuff yet. I will have to find all of my 64MB RAM. It's no longer doing me any good.

[Dane Bramage]

good to hear back from you and very happy to hear that you are still collecting stuff for the kids. i was afraid i missed the opportunity. i would so much rather give stuff to a worthy cause than the recycle people.

anyway... i should have enough hardware to build one complete box. i think it's around 1.6 GHz AMD w/ 1GB Ram. i will also have some hard drives and possibly a vid card. i have a bunch of games, but i'm not sure you want them. baldur's gate, unreal tournament, etc. kotor and a few others. i'll check my drawer.

it will be a couple more weeks before i can send the stuff out. i am in the process of consolidating to see what all i have. i'm gonna build 3 systems for me (game box, server & HTPC). you can have what ever is left.

[DaveW]

Thanks guys. Believe me when I say, that every little helps at the moment.

Today is Wednesday, and I'm taking some of the really old spare parts tonight to run a computer building workshop with a select few of the kids that are able to understand and follow the process. I have about one and a half hours, so I'm just setting up the OS and testing the system at the moment. 2 of the kids asked me to run this, so I'm hoping it will be a success.

Everything that you can send to me, I'll find a use for. With the materials that have already arrived, the conditions in the computer room have hugely improved. If the TBCS community can keep this up, it will make a huge difference to these kids.

Here's a quick heart grabber; Ruth, one of the Admins, told me yesterday about one kid with a bad heart, who lived only for this camp. Every summer he'd come here, but his heart would get worse, but he'd pull through for this place. A few years ago, Ruth thought he was on his way out, but he wanted to stay in camp, so he kept everything up till the last day. The day he left camp, he was in hospital for 6 months. He came back to camp next year, and he's still coming here.

This camp really does a lot for these kids, and they're so happy here. They're learning how to get jobs, how to play sports, how to behave, how to have fun, and make friends.

I'm doing my bit to make this summer the best yet for these kids, and I know that most of you guys have more spare parts than you've had hot meals. So please, if you can spare some games, some parts, anything-send them to me, and I'll make sure that they are put to good use.

Oh, and could everyone who's sent me stuff please PM me their address?

Thanks guys. I know I can rely on you.

-Dave

PS: If you have spare parts, but haven't the money for shipping, PM me and we'll talk and see what we can figure out.

[DaveW]

I wanna keep the ball rolling here guys, please don't let this thread die.

-Dave

[chaksq]

I'm still going through stuff, kinda been a little busy and wasn't sure if you were still getting stuff together. I found some old linksys routers I have no use for they are 100base two slow for me, but should be great for you guys. I'll try to get to it ASAP, I have so much stuff I just need to get rid of stuff, was going to try and sell it on ebay but this is easier and a way better cause.

[Airbozo]

..........

-Dave

PS: If you have spare parts, but haven't the money for shipping, PM me and we'll talk and see what we can figure out.

This is something I CAN help with. Let me know and I will setup a pickup and delivery... (of course after I tell, ah er _ask_ my GM).

-going through my games tonight-

[Drum Thumper]

Dave, I haven't had a chance to get the RAM boxed up--however, do you have a need for some old school PCI Soundblaster cards? I've got two that are of no use to me. They both work, and I'll be more than happy to get them on the way.

Sorry I haven't had a chance to get the RAM to ya, work and school are kicking my ass.

[DaveW]

It's no problem. The sound blasters will be great, they take a load of the CPU. They're strugglin' at the moment, so every little helps.


This is something I CAN help with. Let me know and I will setup a pickup and delivery... (of course after I tell, ah er _ask_ my GM).

-going through my games tonight-

Thanks Airbozo, you're a king amongst men.

Oh, I put some game demos on the computers. Midtown Madness, Monster Truck Madness, Sega Rally (the arcade port), Mechwarrior 3, and Descent 2. These are only demos, but the kids are loving them (especially Midtown Madness-they love that bus). The fact that they're only demos is a bit limiting, so if you have any of these games or similar games, they would be much appreciated here at Camp. I'll be taking donations right up till the 10th August. That means that while stuff can arrive later, not all the kids will get as much out of it this year: but I want to leave this place better for next year's youngsters.

Don't forget to send me your address with any donations.

-Dave

[PartyLikeARockstar]

Dave,

I have a few things that I should be able to donate. I have P4 machine except for RAM (SDRAM or DDR) and some IDE hard drives. I can't get the address (or go to the site, for some sick reason Comcast's web proxy here at the office is blocking the camp's page, but allowing me to post on forums) I am willing to drop the stuff off in person, Baltimore isn't that far from PA, especially for a good cause. I'll check the address when I get home.

[nevermind1534]

Dave Warnock
Camp Lee Mar
450 Route 590
Lackawaxen, PA 18435
It's on the third page.

[DaveW]

Time to unstick this thread.

Thanks to everyone who donated parts. Really, you made a world of difference. After upgrading the computers at camp I discovered I had enough parts left to build a few spare computers, not great, bog standard Win 98 machines.

One of these machines I built, tested, and dismantled. On a wednesday night I took 7 kids who were interested in computers and talked them through the process of putting the computer together. I taught them the names of the parts and which part goes where, and kept testing them by pointing to the parts and asking what it's called and what it does.

I was worried we were going to run out of time, and as these were special needs kids, looking after 7 of them on my own was no piece of cake, especially when I was trying to teach at the same time. Needless to say, I did my best to keep all the kids interested in what was going on, so I didn't have too many real problems.

The kids didn't believe I was letting them work on a real computer-they thought it was broken, or a dummy or something. Eventually, we finished the computer, put the side back on, and then we hooked it up to the screen, keyboard, and mouse.

I asked for a volunteer to turn it on, one of the kids took a step forward, pressed the button...the screen flickered, the computer posted. A few seconds later the desktop was loading. The kids were screaming, cheering. They were really proud of themselves, and really happy. Especially one of the kids who was adamant that the whole thing was a fake-when she realised that yes, I had trusted her to build a real computer, she was so happy.

I wish you could have seen their faces, because it would have made you proud. With your help, I was able to get these kids to do something new, something they didn't think they could do. With your help, I was able to teach these kids to believe in themselves. I could see it in their eyes, and when you do something like that, it's more satisfying than I could put into words.

So a big thank you, to everyone who helped. Life is not easy for these kids, and you should know that you made a difference.

-Dave

[Drum Thumper]

Glad to have helped out. And sorry I didn't get the soundcards mailed off, things got a bit hectic here with the birth of my son. Is this going to become a yearly deal for you? If so, I'll scrouge around and see what I can come up with to ship off to ya next year.

[DaveW]

I might work for a special needs camp again, but I'm not sure about that one. I might go and work in Russian next year. I don't know what's going to happen quite yet.

I'd explain my reasons, but I don't want to tarnish the reputation of the Camp. For the children, it really is one of the best places in the world. For working there...maybe not so.

-Dave

[Drum Thumper]

I'd explain my reasons, but I don't want to tarnish the reputation of the Camp. For the children, it really is one of the best places in the world. For working there...maybe not so.

-Dave

You're preaching to the choir. Welcome to the American Workplace. I'll leave it at that.

[DaveW]

I'm no stranger to it. Britain and America are different, but people are people everywhere.

-Dave