From Donation to Distribution — February 2026
For most, an old device signals the end of its lifecycle. At AZ StRUT, it’s just the beginning. This month, we’re taking you inside the journey — from donation, to refurbishment and education, to distribution in classrooms and communities across Arizona.
3,345 lbs
Electronics collected through East Mesa community events
805
Laptops processed by SRP volunteers in one day
$1,500
WM of Arizona support for sustainability and workforce development
Donation
Every device’s second life starts with someone choosing to donate instead of discard.
Community Collections in East Mesa
Sunland Village East and Las Palmas communities hosted e-waste collection events over the past few Saturdays in East Mesa, collecting a combined 3,345 pounds of electronics in support of AZ StRUT’s mission.
We’re grateful to every resident who took the time to donate and help give these devices a second life.
WM of Arizona Invests in Impact
WM of Arizona generously contributed $1,500 to support AZ StRUT’s efforts to advance sustainability and help train Arizona’s developing workforce.
Their investment strengthens our ability to refurbish electronics responsibly while providing hands-on learning opportunities that prepare individuals for careers in technology.
Transformation & Education
Once donated technology reaches AZ StRUT, the real transformation begins — powered by volunteers, students, partners, and hands-on learning.
High Voltage Volunteering with SRP ⚡️
At the end of January, 92 SRP employees joined us for a large-scale volunteer event, helping process an incredible 805 laptops in a single day.
Their teamwork and momentum made a measurable impact, accelerating the journey from donation to distribution for hundreds of devices.
Refurbish-a-Thon with APS
APS and SRP proved they can power more than homes.
At our recent Refurbish-a-Thon with APS, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and processed more than 100 laptops, with 95 ready to head straight to middle school students for STEM activities.
That’s impact you can measure.
Student-Powered Transformation 📚
Students aren’t just visiting AZ StRUT — they’re stepping into the work.
Kofa High School
Students from Kofa High School recently joined us for a hands-on learning experience in technology and community service.
During their visit, they tested refurbished devices and installed Linux Mint operating systems on Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, building practical skills in hardware and software.
The laptops they prepared will soon be distributed to community members who may not otherwise have access to technology, giving students a direct connection to the impact of their work.
Garden Lakes Elementary
We also partnered with students from Garden Lakes Elementary School in the Pendergast Elementary School District for an inspiring refurbishing project.
Students learned how to install new operating systems and prepare laptops for reuse, gaining real-world tech experience along the way.
Garden Lakes students later joined us during a Hardware Techie Experience and Distribution to help support recipients and assist families as they received their laptops.
From installation to distribution, these students didn’t just learn about digital equity — they hand delivered it.
Distribution
At AZ StRUT, distribution means getting the right tools into the hands of people who need them.
Back to School, On Their Terms 👏
Shawna was referred to us by her local librarian as she prepared to go back to school. She told us she wants to continue her education to “show how important education is to my children.”
Her two kids also take classes online, and until now, the family has relied on trips to the library to complete their work. With gas prices and rising costs, that has become harder to manage.
We were able to provide Shawna with a laptop for work and school, along with two Chromebooks for her children. Now, they can learn from home and focus on what matters most.
Supporting William’s Next Chapter
William, a veteran returning to college, picked up his laptop just days before his classes started. After receiving his device, he shared:
“Thank you so much for the blessings in disguise. I am truly grateful of the service you provide without judgement on the consumer. I wouldn’t be in a good place without you and the team backing me in my dreams and career.”
Stories like these are the final step in the journey from donation to distribution. The devices that come through our doors don’t sit on shelves. They move into classrooms, homes, and new beginnings.
Beyond the Devices 🗣
AZ StRUT participated in this year’s Net Inclusion conference in Chicago, an annual gathering focused on closing the digital divide.
Arizona was very well represented, and it was energizing to connect with organizations across the country who are working toward the same goal: ensuring that access to technology is not a barrier to education, employment, or opportunity.
The Next Story Starts With You! ♻️
Every device distributed this month started with a donation. Your support helps turn unused technology into opportunity for Arizona learners of all ages.
AZ StRUT’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of Arizona’s technical workforce by supporting applied learning through scholarships and donated technology, providing refurbished equipment to schools and nonprofits, promoting diversity in technical education, and ensuring responsible electronic recycling.
