The Welcome statement on our website says:

We want everyone in Tellico Village and our Community Area to enjoy all the benefits that a Computer and the Internet have to offer. We are a computer club with over 200 members dedicated to helping all of our membership get the most out of their computers and surfing the Net.

The Technology Access Program (TAP) is the most successful community service project the club has ever undertaken. We have given away over 300 computer systems, mostly to needy families in our greater community. We did not keep track of children in the homes when we first started, but since we did start keeping that statistic, we have provided access to a computer to over 500 children. TAP began in June of 2006 and now gives, on average, seven or eight computer systems away each month.

What is parent organization of TAP?  TAP is a community service program of Tellico Village Computer Users Club, a non profit 501(c)3 organization. Microsoft Corp. has certified TAP as an authorized “Microsoft Refurbisher” and provides the XP operating systems and MS Office at a substantial discount for distribution through non-profit organizations.

What are TAP’s costs of operation?  All expenses paid by TAP are directly related to preparing and distributing complete computer systems to families and non-profit organizations. These include rent and utilities for the workshop, computer and printer replacement parts, ink cartridges, paper, etc.

TAP needs financial support.  Consider Donating.

Where do the computers come from?  Individuals donate most of the computers and related equipment being refurbished although more community organizations and business are now participating.

Who prepares the systems? The TAP organization relies entirely on Computer Club volunteers who bring a wealth of experience, unique backgrounds and a desire to serve the community. Ongoing training enables individuals to participate as their knowledge and time allows.

What type of systems are placed with families? Microsoft Windows operating systems along with a variety of productivity, security and computer literacy programs are included on each computer. A complete system includes the computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers and a refurbished printer with ink and paper. If needed, a club member will assist the family in setting up the computer for use.

Who selects the individuals who receive systems? A family is referred by a school or a family assistance organization when it has been determined that a computer system is needed in the home where none exists.

How do you benefit from the TAP program? Donated computers may qualify for significant tax benefits. You are contributing to the expansion of computer literacy for the students in our schools and communities. You incur no removal or disposal costs. All hard drives are reformatted as part of the refurbishment process. All computers that can be refurbished are put back into use by area families thus keeping your donation local.

What can I do now for TAP? Volunteer to work on refurbishing computers. Donate computers, printers and related equipment. Make a cash donation to help with the immediate operating expenses.

Contact Vince Alline, vinceal@gmail.com, and Warren Sanders, wsanders@chartertn.net, for more information.