We're collecting devices · Knoxville area
Donate your laptop, tablet, or phone
GrandGeeks — Giving old tech new life
- We securely wipe all personal data, refurbish the hardware, and donate the device free of charge to an older adult in need.
- If they’d like assistance with email, video calls, or anything else online, we take the time to patiently guide them step by step.
Read our full mission
GrandGeeks empowers older adults with the digital skills needed to connect and thrive by collecting donated devices, refurbishing them responsibly, and providing them free with personalized support—reducing e-waste and closing the access gap.
GrandGeeks is a nonprofit initiative. Federal tax-exempt recognition: 501(c)(3) pending.
Support GrandGeeks with a gift
Cash gifts help us buy parts, tools, and supplies when donated devices need repairs. Choose an amount—when online giving is live, you’ll complete payment in one step. For now, tap an amount and we’ll note your interest.
Federal tax-exempt recognition: 501(c)(3) pending—we’ll share tax-deductible receipts when status is finalized. Questions? hello@grandgeeks.org
Donate a device — or request one
Donations keep us running. Use the donate form to offer a laptop, tablet, or phone; use the request form if someone you know needs a refurbished device. We’ll follow up with next steps.
Donate a Device
Request a Device for a Senior
Our Simple Process
From your spare laptop to a senior's first video call—here's how we make it happen.
Donate Your Device
You share laptops, tablets, or phones you no longer need. We coordinate pickup or drop-off in the Knoxville area.
We Refurbish & Securely Wipe
Data is erased responsibly. We clean, test, and refresh each device so it's dependable for its next owner.
We Match & Deliver
We pair refurbished tech with seniors who need it most, based on requests and availability.
Personalized Setup & Connection
Recipients get patient, one-on-one help to get online—and ongoing support so confidence grows.
Making a Difference in Knoxville & Beyond
Every device kept out of a landfill and placed in caring hands fights the digital divide and reduces e-waste. Numbers below are illustrative placeholders—we'll update as we grow.
Impact Stories
We’re building a social media initiative so moments of real impact—like a senior opening a refurbished laptop for the first time—can reach neighbors across Knoxville and beyond. When a post is shared, commented on, or picked up by friends-of-friends, it acts like word-of-mouth at scale: more people learn about GrandGeeks, more devices get donated, and more cash gifts can fund parts and support. A single authentic story that resonates can go viral and bring a wave of new supporters we could never reach with flyers alone.
We only publish when people opt in. The details below explain how we protect privacy and consent while still growing the mission through respectful, shareable posts.
Why consent matters
The biggest risks are privacy and consent—especially for older adults—and right of publicity (using someone’s likeness or story without permission). Nonprofits need explicit, documented consent for photos and stories.
Written consent — our approach
- Donors: Optional agreement to be tagged or mentioned in social posts about their donated device—or to stay anonymous.
- Recipients: At delivery/setup, a short photo/video release: consent to share their story (with or without name), option for anonymous or blurred imagery, and the right to revoke consent anytime.
- Guardians: When a minor appears in family photos or when a senior needs a trusted decision-maker, we obtain appropriate guardian approval.
- Records: Consents stored securely (e.g., dated digital copies) so we can honor choices over time.
Safe storytelling by default
We start with anonymous or first-name-only examples (e.g., “Meet Joan, 78, now video-calling family!”). We only tag donors or recipients by name or face when they clearly opt in. We avoid full names, addresses, and other sensitive details in public posts.
Device IDs & tracking
Each device can carry a simple ID (for example GNK-YYYYMM-####, such as GNK-202603-001 for the first device processed in March 2026). Internally we can log donor/recipient details only as consented, device type, delivery date, and photo permissions—useful for grants, reporting, and respectful social posts like: “Device GNK-202603-001, from a generous donor → now helping a Knoxville senior stay connected.”
Channels & content mix
We plan a mix of impact stories, gentle donation asks, and behind-the-scenes content—always within consent. Formats may include short setup videos, before/after carousels (donation → senior using the device), and quick thank-yous. We’ll prioritize channels where seniors and families already spend time (e.g., Facebook) alongside Instagram or short video where appropriate—so shareable moments can reach people who might donate tech or money next.
Rolling out responsibly
We’ll pilot small in Knoxville (e.g., a first batch of devices), gather consents, test anonymized posts first, then scale. Simple tools (graphics editors, scheduling, optional link tracking) can support a light content rhythm without overwhelming volunteers.
Real donor and recipient stories will appear on our feeds only after we have genuine testimonials and signed releases—we’re building the program the right way first.
Join Us – Volunteer or Partner
We're building a community of people who care about seniors and sustainable tech. Help with refurbishment, logistics, outreach, or partnerships.
- Meaningful work with clear impact
- Flexible roles—tech, transport, events, and more
- Training and a supportive team