On the Record with Don Cherry

DeKALB – Don Cherry of DeKalb is rebuilding computers and laptops to help the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cherry, owner of CherryBomb Free Electronics Recycling and Computer Repair, is collecting computers, refurbishing them and donating them to families in need.

In December, Cherry rebuilt 21 computers and laptops and gave them to low-income families so children would have a present to open for Christmas.

Cherry still has a list of more than 100 children in need and continues to accept requests.

For more information or to donate, call Cherry at 815-501-9085 or send a message on Facebook.

Cherry spoke to MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton about the increased need for computers and laptops during the pandemic and how to donate or request items.

Milton: Why have you been fixing and donating computers?

Cherry: Because people need computers, I’ve been fixing them up and donating them to families in need. I was able to refurbish and donate 21 computers for Christmas. Christmas was difficult this year because a lot of parents are unemployed. Everyone is struggling, especially with COVID. I wanted to make people happier and life a little bit easier for them.

Milton: Why have computers become even more important during the pandemic?

Cherry: Computers have become really important during the pandemic because of e-learning, and school and work is online. Kids are even meeting their friends virtually instead of being together in person. There are also a lot of educational videos and apps, so computers aren’t just for games.

Milton: What types of computers do you refurbish?

Cherry: I work with a lot of different types of computers, refurbish them and bring them up to date. Some of them are MacBooks and tablets, but most are computers with Windows 10. The donated computers have to be 10 years old or newer.

Milton: Are you only accepting computer donations?

Cherry: I am also taking donations to help refurbish computers and items for electronic recycling. I can reuse circuit boards and recycle other items. The money I get from electronic recycling gives me money to buy new parts for computers.

Milton: How can people help?

Cherry: I have an Amazon wishlist for parts, or they could donate money, computers or parts as well. Recently, a community member donated eight monitors.

Milton: Is your project ongoing?

Cherry: My list for donations is still more than 100 people long. I hope to help everyone, especially students, that need a computer in DeKalb County. I’m working on expanding to Ogle County as well.