Super Heros — September 2025
September was powered by people. A longtime volunteer spotlight, a takeover of the Diamondbacks STEM Dugout, a creative birthday fundraiser, our Executive Director on a national podcast, and three back-to-back Days of Service. Here’s everyone who showed up this month.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Super Hero John 🦸
Every great mission is powered by people who show up, roll up their sleeves, and get to work. John is one of those everyday heroes whose passion and steady dedication uplift our entire organization.
John’s journey with AZ StRUT began through our friends at Treasures 4 Teachers. For years, he volunteered there testing anything with a cord — computers, power tools, ceiling fans — ensuring each item was safe and ready for reuse. When their focus shifted away from electronics, AZ StRUT became the perfect next step. His commute didn’t change at all — just the name on the building.
Before volunteering, John spent his early career at America West Airlines during the scrappy, startup-like era of the company. Budgets were lean, innovation was constant, and “make it work” was the mantra. That spirit of resourcefulness still shines in everything he does — whether he’s breathing life back into a stubborn desktop or guiding interns through hands-on repair skills, John approaches every challenge with curiosity and purpose.
What keeps him committed? For John, the reward is twofold: seeing used technology get a second life in the hands of students, teachers, and nonprofits that truly need it, and knowing he’s helping protect the planet.
John — thank you for being a model of generosity, environmental stewardship, and community impact. AZ StRUT is stronger because of you.
We only have one planet, and all of the electronics we mass-produce need to be used as long as they are viable. — John
AZ StRUT at the Diamondbacks STEM Dugout ⚾
On game day at Chase Field, baseball wasn’t the only action drawing a crowd. AZ StRUT proudly hosted the Diamondbacks STEM Dugout, transforming the concourse into a hub of hands-on science and technology.
Kids and families jumped into computer take-apart races, interactive tech displays, STEM learning challenges, and real-world examples of electronics reuse and recycling. From tiny fans taking apart their first computer to parents hearing about environmental responsibility for the first time, the STEM Dugout was a powerful platform to spark curiosity and future career paths.
Make Your Birthday Count 🎂
Imagine turning your birthday or holiday into a ripple of community impact. That’s exactly what our friend Janet did.
Instead of gifts, she used her Facebook page to share AZ StRUT’s mission. Within days, her friends and family donated in her honor, and AZ StRUT received a meaningful contribution through PayPal. Her celebration helped us keep hazardous electronic waste out of Arizona landfills, support hands-on tech education, and expand our community e-waste collection services.
Want to do the same? Create a Facebook birthday campaign, set up a GoFundMe or RallyUp page, or simply share our mission with friends and family who want to make a difference. This year, turn your special day into something unforgettable — for you and for the planet.
AZ StRUT in the Media 🎙️
Our Executive Director, Jared Bodine, was the featured guest on The Rescuers podcast. In the September 25th episode — “Refurbish, Reuse, Recycle and Learn” — Jared dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of electronic waste and the power of hands-on STEM education.
“We sometimes think the issues raised through growing technology as a negative. But Jared Bodine leads an organization that addresses the challenge of castoff computers, and creates a win/win/win situation — by refurbishing them, reusing them, recycling parts, and doing it all while teaching students marketable skills.” — Art Brooks, host of The Rescuers
Want more behind-the-scenes tech stories? Check out Jared’s Fun Finds series spotlighting the unusual, vintage, and downright quirky electronics that come through our doors.
September Days of Service 🙌
September was a powerhouse month for community service. Three groups chose AZ StRUT for their Day of Service — and showed up in a big way.
JustServe Community Event
Our event at Mountain View High School exceeded expectations — twice as many volunteers arrived as we planned for! Families filled every seat, working together to clean over 50 laptops and install operating systems on 33 more.
PayPal Volunteer Team
PayPal employees joined us for a morning of hands-on learning, guided by our team member Camilla, where they learned key steps in refurbishing and testing computers.
Sewa International
Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based nonprofit dedicated to humanitarian service. Their Sewa Day of Service collected electronics for AZ StRUT to promote environmental stewardship and responsible recycling.
To every volunteer, corporate partner, and family who showed up — thank you. You are the heartbeat of our mission.
One Minute, From Drop-Off to Wipe 📹
Ever wondered what happens when you drop off electronics at AZ StRUT? Our short one-minute video follows a donated computer from drop-off to our secure data-wiping cage — showcasing our commitment to safety, transparency, and responsible recycling.
It’s perfect to share with coworkers, neighborhood groups, school communities, and friends or family who are unsure where to take their old tech.
Be an AZ StRUT Super Hero ❤️
Our work isn’t possible without people like you. Every contribution — big or small — helps us provide scholarships and hands-on learning, donate refurbished equipment to schools and nonprofits, support STEM education across Arizona, and responsibly handle every device that comes through our doors.
