The foundation accepts donated equipment from corporations and individuals, much of which would otherwise be doomed to the recycling heap. Cristina Foundation distributes the equipment to charities and public agencies that provide technical skills training to disadvantaged individuals and people with disabilities.

President and co-founder Dr. Yvette Marrin likes to say that the life stages of a product are design, use, reuse, and recycling. She believes that PCs that are ripe for recycling still have about 60 percent of usable life left. The foundation makes that leftover usability available to people who otherwise would not be able to afford tech equipment. The foundation also has a learning network where it partners with corporations and user groups for technical training and equipment installation services.

When asked, "Why PC Expo?" Dr. Marrin pointed out that the event was a good platform for spreading the concept of donating old PCs to the folks who've come here to make purchasing decisions for their companies. Even the event organizers support the idea: They (CMP this year) have been donating booth space to the foundation for a few years now.

The Cristina Foundation not only contributes to bridging the digital divide, it has also found an ecologically sound solution to the growing problem of disposing of retired computer equipment.

If you or your corporation would like to breathe new life into your old PCs, click here to make your donation.