Moments We’re Thankful For — November 2025
November was packed with gratitude — a brand-new box truck wrap, a STEM Adventure with curious students in Tucson, a volunteer spotlight on Eric, an onsemi grant, Techie Hardware Experiences for veterans and young adults, a young learner’s “best day ever,” 10,000+ pounds of e-waste rescued in Sun Lakes, and an invitation to give back on Giving Tuesday.
A Truckload of Gratitude! 🚛
We’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new AZ StRUT box truck wrap — highlighting our mission to recycle used technology and empower Arizona students, and featuring our incredible donors!
This truck helps us collect even more computers, laptops, and tech donations throughout the Valley, reducing e-waste and getting refurbished devices into the hands of learners who need them.
A heartfelt thank-you to our donors who made this possible: Sonora Quest Laboratories, NXP, 88.7 The Pulse, and the many community members who supported along the way — that’s you!
Exploring STEM Together 🔬
We had a great time at the SARSEF Arizona STEM Adventure! Students at our AZ StRUT booth dove into the world of tech recycling, picked apart real computer hardware, and practiced mock refurbishing.
Beyond the excitement of tearing down desktops, students got a firsthand look at how the circular economy works. Many were surprised to learn how many components can be reused, repaired, or repurposed instead of ending up in landfills.
Our team had meaningful conversations with teachers, parents, and volunteers who share our passion for expanding access to technology and digital skills across Arizona. Huge thanks to SARSEF for hosting another incredible STEM Adventure!
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Eric 🌟
Eric’s AZ StRUT journey started with a simple connection. Back in April 2024, he was invited to come take a look at electronics for a local makerspace. After a couple of hours digging through tech in the AZ StRUT warehouse, he was struck by how dedicated the team was. He asked if they needed a volunteer that summer — and has been part of the crew ever since.
With a background in hobby electronics, Eric loves uncovering the hidden gems in each donation. But his favorite part is the people around him — whether laughing over a surprise “Antique Roadshow day” or sharing stories about past AZ StRUT experiences, he says the real joy comes from being part of a community that cares.
Eric sees AZ StRUT’s impact in every old device saved from the landfill and in the countless folks who remember AZ StRUT helping their schools. For him, it all comes back to connection.
onsemi Powers Hands-On Learning 🎓
We’re excited to share that onsemi has awarded AZ StRUT grant funding through their STEAM education initiative!
This support will help us grow our Techie Labs and create more hands-on learning experiences — like the recent visit from Red Mountain HS students. We’re so grateful for partners like onsemi who believe in empowering the next generation of innovators.
Techie Hardware Experiences ⚙️
AZ StRUT recently hosted two Techie Hardware Experiences — for veterans at Goodwill in Phoenix and young adults at Home Base in Surprise. Participants explored taking computers apart, putting them back together, and gained valuable skills along the way. Thanks to Thunderbirds Charities, every participant walked away with a refurbished laptop!
Home Base — Surprise
Young adults at Home Base, with support from Desert Garden United Church of Christ, got hands-on with real computer hardware — exploring components, building confidence, and walking away with a refurbished laptop to support their next steps.
Goodwill — Phoenix
Veterans at Goodwill in Phoenix participated in a hands-on Techie Hardware Experience, gaining practical technology skills and receiving a refurbished laptop thanks to the support of Thunderbirds Charities.
Every Device Matters 💻
At AZ StRUT, impact doesn’t come in just one size. Some distributions, we place 400 refurbished Chromebooks into the hands of Arizona students — and other times, it’s one. But every single device creates a ripple of opportunity.
This month we’re celebrating William, who stopped by with his mom to pick up a Chromebook at no cost to his family. He told us he’s excited to use it to keep up with his schoolwork at home…
“The best day ever!” — William
Whether it’s one student or hundreds, every distribution helps open doors, spark confidence, and support the learners who need it most.
A Harvest of Tech in Sun Lakes! ☀️
AZ StRUT held a hugely successful collection event in Sun Lakes, generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes. Together, we filled three entire truckloads with retired tech.
In total, the community donated 10,416 pounds of electronics to be refurbished or responsibly recycled — including 45 desktops, 75 laptops, and 125 mobile devices!
Thanks to the incredible support of Sun Lakes residents and the Rotary Club, thousands of pounds of e-waste are now being diverted from landfills and put back to work for Arizona learners.
Your Post-Turkey Power Move 🦃
Every year, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is dedicated to generosity — and this year, Giving Tuesday falls on 12/2. It’s a day to come together, give back, and uplift the organizations that keep our communities strong.
At AZ StRUT, your Giving Tuesday support helps us keep Arizona students connected by refurbishing donated technology, expanding hands-on learning, and reducing e-waste across the state.
