Since February 1997 the Tulsa Computer Society has operated a Computer Refurbishing Project. Initially we used space at Tulsa International — Spartan School of Aeronautics Hanger 5, provided by the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. In July 1997 we moved to Bethesda Boys Ranch, located at 17424 S Union Street in Mounds. From that time until 2002 we have worked in three different locations, all a part of Bethesda Boys Ranch, and while we definitely appreciate the facilities we have used at Bethesda, we have found that it is hard to get volunteers and donors to make the 30 to 45 minute drive to Mounds. Therefore we decided we needed a building in Tulsa which will be much more convenient to both volunteers and donors, and we hope to be able to get grants to enable us to lease such a building.

Both Bethesda Boys Ranch and the Tulsa Computer Society are 501(c)(3) non profit organizations, but it appeared that it would be easier to get the necessary grants if we formed a new non profit organization whose primary purpose was focused on Computer Refurbishing, and various other programs which flow from or support such a purpose. That is how the idea for HelpingTulsa was formed. HelpingTulsa would include key people from both Bethesda Boys Ranch and Tulsa Computer Society among its directors, and we would anticipate that the new organization would maintain close liaison relations with both BBR and TCS.

There are now three locations where we are doing Computer Refurbishing, including my house. If you would like to volunteer to work on some of the donated computers, fixing them up so we can donate them to various schools, churches, and non-profit agencies, give me a call at 622-3417 or email me and we will come up with a time convenient for you to come over.

For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here