BELLINGHAM - A computer repair shop is in a new space and has added a new recycling program.
Blair's Repair recently opened a second location at 2004 James St., near Hardware Sales. Along with doing repair work, the company teamed up with a group of volunteers to start a recycling program that donates computers to low-income families.
Blair Hewitt, owner of Blair's Repair, said they'll take electronic products for free in any condition; if it doesn't work and can't be fixed, they will take the parts either to fix other computers or recycle the material.
"The goal is to get a computer (and other electronic equipment) to people who can't afford it, to help develop their skills," Hewitt said. "We really want to get these out to families and kids."
The list of electronic equipment accepted for donation includes computers, cellphones, DVD players and televisions. Larry Hanson, one of the volunteers, said he's currently spending around five hours a week refurbishing computers.
"As long as I can get something people can afford, it makes me feel good," Hanson said.
With the new space, volunteers are hoping for an increase in old equipment. Melvin Poradun, one of the group's organizers, said they want to reach a point where they are refurbishing more than 100 a month. The group works with a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the Whatcom County Re-entry Coalition, to get the refurbished computers to low-income families. The re-entry coalition helps people re-enter the community after incarceration as well as homeless families.
Hewett plans to use his other space on 840 N. State St. for computer repair for water-damaged devices but also plans to develop a wholesale bagel production facility. He plans on focusing on gluten-free bagels. The computer repair shop on James Street will focus on Apple and PC repair.
For further details about the computer repair store or the recycling program, call 360-820-2818.
Reach Business Editor Dave Gallagher at 360-715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com. Read his business blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/business or follow him on Twitter at @bhamheraldbiz.
