From its inception in 2007 through August 2023, TAP has delivered 10,283 computer systems that have benefited a total 15,001 youths!
These are the totals for the last 5 years:
TAP History Highlights
TAP was started by volunteers who refurbished donated computers. They were sold at the spring and fall Tellico Village community garage sales. Remaining spare parts and unsold computers were then given to a local computer shop.
The original volunteers could see a need to make home computer access available to families in Loudon and Monroe Counties. Computers not suitable for the garage sales but still usable would be given to a family referred to us by a school or charitable organization. They presented their plan to the four agencies who were involved in the garage sales The agencies were Habitat for Humanity, Tellico Village Community Church Crafters, TVPOA Beautification Committee and Good Neighbor Shoppe.
Growing Pains
As we grew our need for space exceeded the spare rooms or basements that had been our work areas. The Tellico Village Community Church offered work space at no charge complete with all utilities and internet service.
Success!
The first 12 systems were given away on June 2, 2007. A system consists of a desktop PC computer, CD R/W, high-speed and dial-up internet access capability, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer with ink, and a ream of paper. During 2007 TAP gave away 43 systems and during 2008 TAP gave away 132 systems. And these 175 computer systems provided home computer access for 345 children!
The big move
In 2009 Tellico Village Community Church needed pastoral office space as their building project commenced. TAP then acquired space in the lower level of building 2, Lakeside Plaza on Ritchie Road. TAP no longer enjoyed the favorable terms given to us by Community Church. We then began to reach out to United Way and other grant-providing philanthropic organizations.
How we operate
The computers that TAP provides to referred children are given to TAP by:
Our friends and neighbors in Tellico Village.
Area business who are upgrading their own systems.
Industries who observe a regular replacement schedule.
Aggregators who service the computer leasing business.
Recycling and Restoration
All computer systems and peripherals are inspected and cleaned on arrival. The operating system, all programs, and any remaining personal information is removed from the computer. A new operating system and basic applications are installed so that a “clean” system can be delivered to a deserving student. TVCUC maintains a 501(c)3 (non-profit) designation. Financial contributions are welcome. Note that this is a great way to dispose of and recycle your old computer equipment.
Today
Currently TAP provides computer systems to qualifying students in Loudon, Monroe, Blount, Roane, Anderson, Knox, McMinn and Campbell County schools and to qualifying students in Lenoir City, Sweetwater, Oak Ridge, and Knoxville City Schools. In addition there are numerous organizations and agencies that refer requests from qualifying families to TAP.