Glee Givers: Turning Unused Laptops into New Opportunities

What happens to a laptop when it’s retired from work? For most of us, it ends up tucked away in a drawer, gathering dust. But for Grace Taylor, a SAGE Group Engineering Officer, that question sparked something bigger - a way to help people who need technology most. 

How Glee Givers Began 

Glee Givers was founded in 2023, but its roots go back further. Before starting Glee Givers, Grace’s father Eric volunteered with another charity refurbishing donated laptops. When that organisation closed, Eric saw the difference it made and wanted to keep the work going. Together, Grace and Eric decided to continue the mission in their own way, combining Eric’s IT expertise and Grace’s skills in communications and charity relations. 

Starting out, they collected unused laptops, refurbished them in their shed, and partnered with registered charities to get devices into the hands of students, asylum seekers, and people rebuilding their lives.

Today, Glee Givers has distributed over 500 devices, each one a stepping stone for someone in need. 

SAGE’s Connection 

Our involvement began when Grace reached out to our leadership, sharing the Glee Givers story and asking if SAGE could help. We are proud to have donated 16 laptops in our initial effort with many more devices to come - devices that will soon help someone apply for a job, attend school, or reconnect with family. 

Grace explained, “We always have more requests than devices. Every donation helps us say ‘yes’ to someone who needs a hand.” 

How You Can Get Involved

Donate your unused laptop: If you have laptops you’re no longer using, consider giving them a second life. Glee Givers generally accepts laptops less than 8 years old in working condition, and if a device can’t be refurbished, its parts are used to renew other devices. 

Just fill out the form on the Glee Givers website. Grace will coordinate drop-off or free shipping, and you’ll hear back about the charity your device supports. 

Spread the word: Talk to your colleagues, friends, and family. The more people know, the more impact we can have. 

Why It Matters 

For someone starting over, a laptop isn’t just a piece of tech - it’s a lifeline. It means access to education, job applications, and essential services. By donating, you’re helping someone take their next step. 

Help Glee Givers Grow 

Glee Givers is expanding into NSW, Queensland, and South Australia, and looking for more volunteers and donors. If you know another organisation with surplus devices, or if you want to help beyond donating, we encourage you to reach out!